On September 30 2001, I was part of the event, Canada Loves New York.
We, as Canadians, felt that our nation mourned with Americans for the victims of the terrorist attacks. It was not just Americans that were lost that day there were Canadians, British and many other nationalities. We all shared your outrage, grief and compassion.
As Friends. As Neighbors. As Family. We took 33 buses to New York City from Toronto. We brought doughnuts to many fire stations and police stations and spoke to the fireman and police officers and listened, just listened.
I happened to be in New York on May 2, 2011, when President Obama announced the death of bin Laden, I shared that event with many New Yorkers, and once again just listened. I actually went to Ground Zero that night and reflected on the events of 9/11
On Sunday, September 11, 2011, I once again watched and listened. It was truly an international day of reflection. Diane Sawyer showed a photo of babies born after 9/11, who lost their fathers and then she showed an updated photo and interview with all of them now, ten years later. All felt less alone, being with others in the same position. Here is a link to that video: 9/11 Babies: Children Who Lost Fathers Think Back-ABC Video
The memorial site at Ground Zero represents a new vision of “Be Taller/Be Better/Be Unified.”
9/11 triggered a flood of emotions, so it’s fitting that the songs linked to the tragedy also reflect a wide range of moods.
Paul Simon and James Taylor’s song “Both Live” and Beyonce’s “I was here.”
The Canada Loves New York event took place in the Roseland Ballroom in New York City.
This was the first time in the history of Canada/US bilateral relations that an estimated 26,000 Canadians arrived and converged around 53rd Street of Manhattan on December 1, 2001.
The symbolism of the two flags fluttering together on one pole has a very special meaning for all who appreciate the long-term, good standing, interactive and proven relationship between these two old neighbors and North American friends.
The commemorative poster by Charles Pachter which combined art and opportunism and is truly an exquisite piece of art in the form of a poster still hangs in a place of honour in my home to this day. Pachter is a local Toronto artist and I plan on visiting him in the near future to get another poster ten years later.
