MESSAGE BOARD
How should Boston commemorate the one-year anniversary of the September 11 attacks?
Officials in New York City announced today they will commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks with a ceremony at Ground Zero at which former Mayor Giuliani will begin a reading of the victims' names. Several Broadway plays will go dark and many of the companies that lost employees in the attacks are holding private memorial services. What should Boston do to mark the Sept. 11 anniversary? Should workers get time off to attend services? What sorts of ceremonies do you think Boston should hold?
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Beginning @ the time of the first planes impact and continuing until the last tower came down, a silent vigil be held surrounding the Common and Public Garden. A diverse group of Bostonians, prominent and not, old and young, ethinic diversity are linked by American FLags i. e. each person holds an end of the flag with one hand and the person to the left and right hold the other ends of the flags.
larry, milton
We need to start living a life in defiance of terrorism. I am afraid with the attention we give to Sept. 11th and the encroachment of our daily freedoms, the terorists may have succeeded in bringing us to our knees, be it slowly.
Julie, Worcester
i just read through all the responses. there were many good thoughts. i have personally been reflecting on what i want to do on september 11th. i had decided for me it was important to pray for peace and to especially remember the families of all who lost their lives. i liked the idea of the reflecting pool at the christian science church but i think we probably need to have the service either on boston common or at castle island because of the large number who will attend. i also think each major religion should select a central place where a commemorative service would take place as well as a civil ceremony for those who wish to remember and reflect in a non-religious setting.
ann , boston, ma 02113
We should all go to work as usual, but at a specified time, all over the state, people should be allowed to go outdoors say a prayer and release balloons in memory of all the victims. At that specified time, church bells should also be ringing.
Anonymous, Tewksbury
I think this 1st year should be marked as national holiday. This will allow people to be with their family & friends to reflect. For many, remembering will be a scary/emotional event.
Kathy, Boston
I beleive 9/11 should be a national holiday. We should spend the time remembering the pain that was felt. We should never forget that pain. We should be with our loved ones on a day when so many were lost. September 11 is truly a day of sadness and it should be remembered and those who died should be honored.
Leanne, Milton
It should be a day of mourning and reflection, I believe that we should have a nationwide candlelight vigil in memory of ALL the people lost on 9/11. There just shouldn't be vigils in just NY or Boston, we should all come together as a nation and show that we won't stand for this act of violence any longer. There should be a Memorial set aside in NY, Penn., and in Washington to pay respect for the thousands who lost there lives that horrible morning.
Pam, Boston
I am going out and purchasing a new american flag and replacing the worn flag I so proudly attached to my car antenna last September. There was such a sense of community and unification with all of the flags and candles displayed. I think the easiest way for Boston to mark the one year anniversary would be to duplicate what we did last year. Show everyone we are still one nation and we have not forgotten.
Jack, Medford
I think 9/11 should be made a National Holiday!
Dawn, Boston, MA
I think that Boston needs a different sort of healing than NYC. Two people I knew were on Flight 11, and I just can't imagine not doing something special on that day to remember them. I agree that closing businesses and schools for the morning to allow for remembrances would be appropriate - if you don't want to attend a service or other memorial, spend the time with your kids, parents, significant other. I can't be with my significant other that day, but I would be really happy to be able to somehow share it with him, one year after the experience that sealed our bond more than almost any other. Even if you didn't know anyone who died, you easily could have. It's not going to be a day to suck it up and deal, it's going to be a day to be thankful to be alive and hug the people you love.
Wendy, Somerville