First glimpse of WTC tribute

By CATHY BURKE
Last Updated: 7:40 AM, September 10, 2011
Posted: 1:23 AM, September 10, 2011

At the site of unimaginable death and devastation, a memorial of breathtaking beauty has emerged.

The National September 11 Memorial — here shown for the first time — opens tomorrow on the 10th anniversary of the terror attacks and is a dazzling tribute to the lives lost, and to a city and nation that will never forget.

In the footprints of the old Twin Towers are now two square, below-ground reflecting pools, each nearly an acre, fed from all sides by waterfalls that begin just above ground.

They are bordered by bronze panels inscribed with the names of those who died there, at the Pentagon and in western Pennsylvania.

More names could be added if appropriate, officials said.

Four hundred swamp white oak trees line the serene plaza.

A small clearing known as the Memorial Glade is set aside for special ceremonies.

High above, a spectacular flag honors the victims and first responders.

The navy-blue banner is adorned with 40 gold stars to represent the passengers and crew members who died on United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Somerset County, Pa.

The stars and a white ring around an image of the Twin Towers form the shape of a pentagon to honor the 184 people who died at the Pentagon and aboard American Airlines Flight 77, which hijackers crashed into the building.

The towers in the center of the flag represent the thousands who died as a result of the hijackers crashing two planes into the buildings.

One tower has a “9” on it, and the other has an “11” in a lighter shade of blue.

The words “We Remember” are inscribed in white below.

Combined, 2,977 people were killed at all three sites in the 9/11 attacks.

“We remember the towers standing, the towers falling, the devastation on the pile, the empty pit,” said Joe Daniels, president of the National 9/11 Memorial.

“And to move to a place of grace and beauty is something that the entire country can feel proud of.”