Triumphant Flowers of Reconciliation, Ground Zero 5/1/2011

We will not celebrate this evil man, not even in his triumphant death. Rather, we will celebrate the closure of a horrific time in our country’s history — and the peace that will hopefully now comfort the solemn hearts of our brothers and sisters’ loss.

We will continue to unite and rebuild even stronger. We will fill the gaping hole in Ground Zero with American soil and luster full of pride and optimism. We will fill the gaping hole in our hearts full of unity and love.

May peace come in the evil enemy’s face of death I do not know? Peace cometh in the unified community that spreads from shore to shore beyond the island of New York, but throughout the land of the Free and Home of the Brave.

by Joanna James

As a "New" New Yorker I wanted to share my blog today, to document what I saw at Ground Zero 10 years later, now that the mastermind murderer behind 9/11 has been found and killed.

A Nation's Strength
by Ralph Waldo Emerson
What makes a nation's pillars high And it's foundations strong? What makes it mighty to defy The foes that round it throng? It is not gold. Its kingdoms grand Go down in battle shock; Its shafts are laid on sinking sand, Not on abiding rock. Is it the sword? Ask the red dust Of empires passed away; The blood has turned their stones to rust, Their glory to decay. And is it pride? Ah, that bright crown Has seemed to nations sweet; But God has struck its luster down In ashes at his feet. Not gold but only men can make A people great and strong; Men who for truth and honor's sake Stand fast and suffer long. Brave men who work while others sleep, Who dare while others fly... They build a nation's pillars deep And lift them to the sky.

Officer Matagrano stood at Ground Zero 10 years ago very differently than today. He was there battling the ruins and chaos from the worst terrorist attack to come to our shores. Matagrano solemnly remembered the planes crashing into the World Trade Center & the horror that followed. So today upon hearing the news of Osama bin Laden's demise, Officer Matagrano was not only elated, but reflective upon the peace he felt all around him. Matagrano also pointed out that another evil man of history was killed on May 1st, 66 years ago-- Adolph Hitler.