Today is 9/11. It has been 25 years since the terrorist attack on our country. For those of us who lived through it, it was one of the strangest and most horrific days in our lifetime. One of those days where I can remember about everything about the day. And almost everybody that went through it can remember it as well.
To honor the men and women that lost their lives on that day and in the repercussions of those days, I quote a man of eloquence and grace (as opposed to a man that bragged that they now had the tallest building in NYC and then lied about their whereabouts in some of the worst examples of stolen valor ever recorded) :
Across our country today, Americans are coming together in service and remembrance. We run our fingers over the names in memorial benches here at the Pentagon. We walk the hallowed grounds of a Pennsylvania field. We look up at a gleaming tower that pierces the New York City skyline. But in the end, the most enduring memorial to those we lost is ensuring the America that we continue to be — that we stay true to ourselves, that we stay true to what’s best in us, that we do not let others divide us.
As I mark this solemn day with you for the last time as President, I think of Americans whose stories I’ve been humbled to know these past eight years — Americans who, I believe, embody the true spirit of 9/11.
It’s the courage of Welles Crowther, just 24 years old, in the South tower — the man in the red bandana who spent his final moments helping strangers to safety before the towers fell. It’s the resilience of the firehouse on Eighth Avenue — patriots who lost more than a dozen men, but who still suit up every day as the “Pride of Midtown.” It’s the love of a daughter — Payton Wall of New Jersey — whose father, in his last moments on the phone from the towers, told her, “I will always be watching over you.”
It’s the resolve of those Navy SEALS who made sure justice was finally done, who served as we must live as a nation — getting each other’s backs, looking out for each other, united, one mission, one team. It’s the ultimate sacrifice of men and women who rest for eternity not far from here, in gentle green hills in perfect formation — Americans who gave their lives in faraway places so that we can be here today, strong and free and proud. It’s all of us — every American who gets up each day, and lives our lives, carries on. Because as Americans, we do not give in to fear. We will preserve our freedoms and the way of life that makes us a beacon to the world.
“Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you…write them on the tablet of your heart.” And how we conduct ourselves as individuals and as a nation, we have the opportunity each and every day to live up to the sacrifice of those heroes that we lost. May God bless the memory of the loved ones here and across the country. They remain in our hearts today. May He watch over these faithful families and all who protect us. And may God forever bless the United States of America.
https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2016/09/11/remarks-president-obama-911-memorial-observance-ceremony
The title of this entry in “An Artist’s Notebook” is a little bit misleading. The “walk of shame” this references definitely isn’t the “walk of shame” that most people think about when they think about this term. Our shame, was far less interesting or intriguing. Our shame was that we had lost our rental vehicle the night before. Didn’t lose it, where we didn’t know where it went. This wasn’t a “dude where’s my car” situation. This was we got out of the cabaret so late that the parking garage had closed for the night and locked our rental in it for the night. Our walk was the 1 mile walk to the parking garage at 6 AM. Our shame was losing our rental car.
The first part of today’s pictures were taken on the walk to the garage. The 2nd part of today’s collection are the beginning of pictures I took at the Titanic Museum.
Here are the pictures:
The view from our swanky hotel of the Belfast harbor area.
I don’t know this Stacey, but her mom… she’s got it going on.
Not hating that at all.
“She was alright when she left here” – that slogan slays!
More giant fish sculptures please!
Sigh. I wish I had my stickers back then.
Almost as cool as the Citizen’s National Bank clock. Almost.
Reminds me of something from Harry Potter. Why did J.K. Rowling have to turn out to be rubbish?
Low key the trash receptacles were one of my favorite things on this trip.
We made it back to the parking garage!
You again old friend!
Maybe we should have read this sign the night before.
Where we dined the night before.
These Game of Thrones stained glass windows were everything!
Our super swanky hotel!
The Titanic Museum.
No lies detected. Could add a couple score more countries to that list I’m sure.
Andy tries to catch leprechauns. We found a woman that carries a leprechaun with her. Soulmates?
There are still plenty more pictures from the Titanic Museum left to share!