My first trip to the Big Apple in the early 90's was much different from this most recent trip.
While I was there the first time it was during the month of July. There was a heat wave and it just so happened that the city waste workers were on a garbage strike. This was not a trip that I bragged about.
While I was there I took a trip on the Circle Line boat tour and photographed the World Trade Center. I later submitted that photograph into a contest, and won a national award. This was truly the most rewarding experience of my life.
I went back to the city this year (2008) to find that things were not as I once knew them. There was a certain feeling in the air this time. I photographed the same spot, but with the twin towers missing. The most moving photograph I took this visit was a familiar scene on the streets of the City. It’s the photo above. I don't know if you can see it clearly, but the officer is carrying a machine gun.
The sights of the city had changed. Tourism seems to be back, and New Yorkers seem very protective of their homeland.
It was a very sobering moment when I stopped for a moment to take this photo, and I realized how grateful I am that I was not there during 911.
When the officers and firefighters who lost their lives woke up on that September day, I am sure they never in a million years could have prepared themselves for the tragedy that would take place in just a few hours.
Thanks to the officers who gave their lives in the destruction by terrorists of the World Trade Center.
Written by Shelley Costello
Copyright 2008
