Heightened security, memorials cover D.C.
Coming up from the metro station Wednesday, it appeared to be a regular day in Washington, D.C. Tour buses were running, Congress was in session and Greenpeace advocates solicited passersby. Most residents went on with their daily lives.
However, in pockets around the city, memorials stood to honor those who lost their lives in last year’s terrorist attacks. Security increases were also visible due to Tuesday’s heightened terrorist threat alert. Jet fighters flew overhead every 20 minutes patrolling the city’s airspace, increased law enforcement guarded streets, and live anti-aircraft missiles were deployed to launchers around the district for the first time in 40 years.
The morning began with events at the Pentagon where President George W. Bush addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of the continuing war on terrorism. A moment of silence was observed at 9:37 a.m. EDT, the moment American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon last year. An afternoon ceremony was held honoring the construction workers who restored the building over the past year.
Morning memorials also included an Interfaith Service of Remembrance at the Washington National Cathedral. The service offered prayers of remembrance and peace to all those affected by the attacks, said Millikin University student Blake Swango. The anniversary moment of each attack was marked by the tolling of the Bourdon bell.
“The service was extremely moving,” Swango said. “It was a good outlet to release the intense emotions of the day.”
On the Capitol’s lawn, overlooking the Washington Monument, residents and tourists gathered for a ceremony featuring the unveiling of the September 11 Quilt Project’s memorial quilt. Project organizers say the quilt is an opportunity for people to personally contribute pieces of themselves to the relief effort.
“The quilt is made up of panels made by people from all over the U.S. and all over the world,” Raihana Zaman said. Zaman was on hand representing the Foundation of Light in Ithaca, NY, which contributed 13 panels.
Children from countries such as Israel, Palestine and Africa as well as the United States created panels.
“It was a chance for children to put their feelings at peace on cloth,” Zaman said.
The event also featured a concert by the Washington Symphony and Charlie Daniels. Attendees felt the concert was symbolic of the camaraderie of the nation.
“If country and classical music can make it together, I think we can bridge any gap,” Daniels said.
Local children participated in a flag run, sponsored by American Airlines, from the Capitol lawn to the Lincoln Memorial, waving flags from all over the world.
“The kids wanted to be able to do something to contribute to the war on terrorism,” said American Airlines employee Leslie Followell. “We thought this would be a good opportunity for children to get involved.”
Memorial events continued throughout the evening with a “Beam of Hope” light vigil in which the government of the District of Columbia remembered and honored those lost Sept. 11, 2001.
