Gone but Never Forgotten
Listening to Ms. Julie Beckman’s contribution to the memorial of what happened at the United States Pentagon on September 11, 2001 was nothing short of moving and inspiring. The two main components that I took from her presentation were one, the elegant design and architecture of the memorial at the Pentagon, and two, the experience I had from listening to her speak and feeling the weight of those who paid the ultimate price on that day. What such a moving presentation it was. I especially was intrigued by her description of the design and construction of the memorial. With each of the 184 benches representing the 184 individuals lost on that day, and each bench had the name of who it was representing engraved on it. If more than one individual from a family passed away, each of the names were engraved into the individual reflecting pool underneath the bench. The idea of a bench is a very unique thought to me, but a very applicable idea. This provides a place that loved ones can visit and sit down on to create a sense of oneness with the one who has passed on. Instead of visiting a wall with the loved ones’ name on it, families can visit a place where they can sit in peace and feel the presence of their loved one. This concept is what a memorial should be all about. An individual reminiscence for each of those who have passed on where families can go to visit, and to see that these individuals will never be forgotten by the light that is illuminated from each bench all throughout the night. Hearing Ms. Beckman speak about this memorial makes me want to visit the memorial just to witness the divine experience of the architecture and hallowed grounds that I am sure the memorial conveys to all who visit it.