9/11 Memorial -I will Always Remember and Never Forget -Lanai Jarrico Reporting...

 

September 11, 2001 is a day in American History that stopped the world in a gasp as an attack on America played out on every News station. I can still remember that morning clearly as I was getting my little girl ready for kindergarten. I got a call from my husband who was at work. He asked me to turn on the news. I watched in horror as smoke was billowing out of the first tower hit as the news was unfolding. It was Flight 11. 

As I watched, I saw the second plane; Flight 175 hit the second tower. Terrified by what I was seeing,  I was afraid to take my daughter to school or even leave the house for fear of more attacks.  

By 9:37am Flight 77 crashed through the Pentagon.  At 9:59am, the South tower collapsed followed by Flight 93 crashing into an empty field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania at 10:02am.

 Then the North tower collapsed by 10:28am. It felt like everything was happening at once. 

 All I could see was a cloud of dust and debris that covered NYC and damaged surrounding buildings.  People were confused and frantic running for their lives covered in white dust.  It was the most terrifying thing I have ever witnessed on live tv. I stood in silence with my mind going a million miles an hour. What was happening? How could this be a coincidence? I had family who lived in Manhattan and worked close to the towers. Were they safe? Almost 3,000 people lost their lives that day. 

 I spent the next hours and days flipping through different news channels while reporters were trying to make sense of what was going on In NYC, PA and the Pentagon in Washington DC.

Shockwaves from this horrific event in our history carried on around the world for weeks, then months and even years later the magnitude of those days still haunts the lives of everyone who was affected.

 About 7 months after the attacks, I took a trip to ground zero. It was eerie. Sadness permeated the whole area. It was surreal as I walked around.  There were thousands of pictures, posters, balloons, flowers and stuffed animals on the fences that surrounded the gaping hole where the twin towers once stood. I was consumed with emotion. The adjacent building was shrouded in safety tarps with scars from the flying debris. I remember looking at a large mangled steel beam that resembled a cross. It was a time in history that changed us all, the war on terrorism was born. This is something I will always remember and will never forget.

Memorials & Events in Second Life for 9/11

Second Life has a A Tribute to The Victims & Heroes Who Lost Their Lives on September 11, 2001

9/11 Memorial - Always Remember, Never Forget 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Gold%20Haven/234/47/1343

9/11 Memorial @ The River 12:00pm SLT

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20River/117/124/26

9/11 Patriot Day At Rockin Robin Remembers 12pm SLT

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rockin%20Robin/139/195/79 

Do you remember where you were on September 11, 2001? Share your story in the comment box below.

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Never Forget: Second Life Residents Honor the Victims and Commemorate the 15th Anniversary of 9/11 by Lilya Luv

9/11 Memorial - Always Remember, Never Forget

Today marks the 15th anniversary of  9/11 and Second Life’s residents are honoring and the victims throughout the grid. Memorial services and tributes of remembrance honoring the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center site, near Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon, as well as the six people killed in the World Trade Center bombing in February 1993 will happen today.

We speak with three organizers to find out why these memorial services mean to them and why it should be important to us: Bryston Vanvleck, founder of 9/11 Memorial - Always Remember, Never Forget; Ethan MacAlpin, owner of Highlands of Scotland; and Geena Zackerly-Magic of 911 Memorial on Stagg Island.

What is your motivation for creating this memorial?

Bryston: Back in 2008 I decided to hold a small memorial in my NYC Loft & Apartment store and was surprised by the number of visitors and the outpouring of emotions that day. Each year I added a few more items until finally I created a stand alone memorial. Today I am proud to be hosting this event for the 8th year. My hope is to make sure no one ever forgets the people who lost their lives on 9/11 and to always remember the heroes who displayed extraordinary acts of courage. It's why I named my 9/11 Memorial Always Remember, Never Forget.

Ethan: I originally created the memorial in 2011 for the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The town I helped manage had a town square and we thought it would be a nice thing to have to contribute our own [a virtual memorial] memorial to all those going on in the real world. The two towers, encircled by a pentagon seemed to be appropriate.

Geena: This memorial is the second rendition of Stagg Island's 911 Memorial. It was modernized to imitate the grounds in Manhattan. Fazio Magic, the creator wanted to make it look more like the footprints with the waterfalls that now sit where the buildings once stood.

Effigy at 9/11 Memorial - Always Remember, Never Forget

What can we expect tomorrow at your event tomorrow?

Bryston: Tears... lots of tears and stories from people who lost loved ones on 9/11. Others like to discuss what they were doing that day and how those horrible events affected them. I have many that come and just stare out the window at the Twin Towers, dreaming about what used to be. It's an emotional day for all of us.

Always Remember, Never Forget is an all day event with moment of silences being observed at the following EST times:

8:46 a.m. (5:46 am SLT): Flight 11 crashes into the North Tower (1 World Trade Center.)

9:03 a.m. (6:03 am SLT): Flight 175 crashes into the South Tower (2 World Trade Center)

9:37 a.m. (6:37 am SLT): Flight 77 crashes into the Pentagon, near Washington, D.C.

9:59 a.m. (6:59 am SLT): The South Tower (2 World Trade Center) collapses.

10:03 a.m. (7:03 am SLT): Flight 93 crashes into an empty field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

10:28 a.m. (7:28 am SLT): The North Tower (1 World Trade Center) collapses.

Ethan: We have weekly church services in the Highlands of Scotland with a different speaker each week. Since it was my Sunday and it fell on the anniversary of the event, I felt I should include a memorial part of the service. It will be a regular church service but during that time we will have a brief remembrance of those who perished and mark the 15th anniversary of the event.

The memorial service will start at 9:30 am SLT.

Geena: We will have at least 3 services today. The services are very moving with many parts. We will also have the military represented in uniform standing guard.

8:00 a.m. SLT

2:00 p.m. SLT

6:00 p.m. SLT

9/11 Memorial statue at Highlands of Scotland

What would be the main take away for your visitors?

Bryston: Remembrance and reflection. Never forgetting how that day changed the world forever.

Ethan: To remember those who lost their lives that day and to pray for a world where peace and love for our fellow human beings will triumph over war and hatred.

Geena: The 911 Memorial is dedicated to all Second life residents. I want them to know this will always be here for them to come visit and reflect. Many will come here tomorrow and talk amongst themselves about where they were that day. Many have come looking for their loved ones name on our wall.  It's a very emotionally moving day.

The 9/11 memorial on Stagg Island was created to be like a replica of the grounds in Manhanttan

What is the importance of this event to you?

Bryston: Always Remember, Never Forget is an extremely important event to me. I wanted to create a space where people could come and reflect upon the events of 9/11. Make them feel an array of emotions from sadness to anger. It is important to never forget the precious lives that were lost and the families that were torn apart forever, but also to recognize the evil that caused it and to always remain vigilant. Terrorism plagues the world of today and we must all come together to fight and destroy this evil.

Ethan: As a former firefighter, I, like many others, were deeply affected by the losses that day, especially from so many servants of the public who bravely ran toward the buildings when others ran from them. If my memorial monument and my words can honour them in any way I am very glad to play a small part in making sure they are not forgotten.

Geena: It is very moving and I strongly encourage all Second Life residents to come to one of the services. This memorial means everything to me and Faz. It was his vision and it will stand as long as we can leave it up.

You can visit each of the follow memorials tomorrow at the following locations:

• 9/11 Memorial - Always Remember, Never Forget
• Highlands of Scotland
• 911 Memorial on Stagg Island

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Center Ground Group Remembers Paolo Rousselot

Paolo Rousselot- Image borrowed from his SL Profile

It is with deep sadness that I learned over the weekend, that one of the founding members of Center Ground has passed. Paolo Rousselot was active in many environmental activities and groups. He was a major force in the SL 350 campaign, which is an international effort to raise awareness of the need to reduce the CO2 levels in the atmosphere.

Paolo was an original owner of much the land that the Center Ground sim now occupies in Hans Loso. He was a very down to earth individual with a strong passion for blues music as illustrated by his build of "Paolo's Blues by the Lake". It was one of the best juke joints SL has ever seen.  Paolo also displayed his spiritual side with the recreation of a traditional lodge that was used by Native Americans. When you entered the lodge the space felt sacred.

Paolo also built a virtual showroom of his RL business, "Heatsavers".  It was during the time when Paolo had an office on the Etopia sim that I met him and we hit it off immediately.  As I look back he was one of the few people that took a new resident like me seriously. Through his suggestions and direct help, I had a crash course in buying land and building for what would eventually be the SL version of my RL Sustainable Home project.

It was also on the Etopia sim that Paolo and I met Tatia Andel and Flower Ninetails. We would eventually form the nucleus of Center Ground. Paolo was one of the coolest people I have had the honor of meeting on and off the SL grid. Although we had not been in as close of contact as we were earlier in our SL, I feel a personal loss.

Take Care My Friend it was good to know you  

CG Principle Manager

Luchenpur Darwin

Paolo Rousselot 12/26/2006-6/2015

  

About Center Ground Group: Originally started by 4 environmentally focused leaders to discuss and promote true sustainable modeling, and preserve their ideas and dreams in the SL metaverse, now expanded to include arts and cultural interest

If you would like more information on this topic IM Luchenpur Darwin inwolrd or e-mail Purnell_L@MartinPurnell.com

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Observing Memorial Day in the Real & Virtual Worlds- Silky Soulstar Reporting...

MEMORIAL DAY observances ranging from the sublime to the obviously salacious abound in Second Life; and are open to everyone from all corners of the Globe, and from every space found in our cozy little metaverse.

I’ve always found it impressive when I meet people from just about any country you can imagine, and yet they KNOW very well about my USA holidays.  Monday, May 26, 2014 is MEMORIAL DAY in the United States.  It is a day of recognition of our past and present military servicewomen and servicemen.  And it is particularly a day of remembrance for our fallen heroes, like my own Uncle and Godparent.

Although it is celebrated with a special day of observation in the U.S., I find it touching that it is also acknowledged by my global friendships.  And for that I am grateful, as well as proud.

Our Avatars exist in a metaverse, but are guided by RL people with hearts and souls.  So it is with honor, really, that I write this destination guide for the SL Enquirer about how our unique virtual world recognizes the very REAL sacrifices made by living souls, working to ultimate ends to keep peace for global citizens.

At Veterans Isle (192, 201, 23) you will find an in-world replica of the Real Life monument that reads 

“HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD”.

   If you are looking for a great place to spend a few moments of reverence this Monday, May 26^th 2014, the U.S. Military Veterans Center is a must-see destination for your teleporter.  You can also donate to the Wounded Warrior Project while you are there.

      VETERANS ISLE SLURL: http://goo.gl/DzADaq

There are a host of other venues in SL well worth a visit this Memorial Day, 2014.  If no times are noted below, the event goes for the entire day.

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Observing 9/11 in Second Life- Dedicated to those who fell and to those who carry on ©- Orchids Zenovka Reporting…

September 11th is the 252nd day of the year (253rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. There are 113 days remaining until the end of the year. But there were some who did not get to see them.

Remembering :

The September 9/11 attacks were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks upon the United States in New York City and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Four passenger airliners were hijacked by 19 terrorists so they could be flown into buildings in suicide attacks. Two of those planes, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, were crashed into the North and South towers, respectively, of the World Trade Center complex in New York City. Within two hours, both towers collapsed with debris and the resulting fires causing partial or complete collapse of all other buildings in the WTC complex, as well as major damage to ten other large surrounding structures. A third plane, American Airlines Flight 77, was crashed into the Pentagon (the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense), leading to a partial collapse in its western side. The fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was targeted at Washington, D.C.,^[2] but crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania after its passengers tried to overcome the hijackers. In total, almost 3,000 people died in the attacks, including the 227 civilians and 19 hijackers aboard the four planes. It also was the deadliest incident for firefighters in the history of the United States.

Tribute Events in SL :

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