The 9/11 Memorial opened September 11, 20111, 10 years after the 9/11 attacks. The main mission of the memorial was to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the attacks. There was an international competition beginning in 2003 to choose the design for the memorial site. There were 5,201 submissions from 63 different countries, the one chosen was submitted by architect Michael Arad and Peter Walker called Reflecting Absence. “Their design features twin waterfall pools surrounded by bronze parapets that list the names of the victims of the 8/11 attacks and 1993 World Trade Center bombing.”

When I was 15 my family took a trip to New York City. We got the chance to visit the Memorial, but while we were there the museum was closed. It was such an impactful experience because even though there were lots of people around, it was like everyone was in a moment of silence. All you could hear was the running water from the waterfall pools. I thought the idea of having two twin pools in place of the Twin Towers was such a great idea. Also, engraving the names of the victims from the attacks around the outside of the pools was a unique way to pay tribute to them while incorporating their names in the design. I will never forget my experience at the 9/11 Memorial and would recommend anyone to visit there if they take a trip to New York City.

Source: About the Memorial | National September 11 Memorial & Museum (911memorial.org)