LMDC STEALS THE SOUL OF REFLECTING ABSENCE

LMDC STEALS THE SOUL OF “REFLECTING ABSENCE.” ASKS THE PUBLIC TO PAY TO GRIEVEÂ

In a shocking revelation the Coalition of 9/11 Families learned during a Historic Preservation Meeting that the LMDC unilaterally, and without public process removed the centerpiece of Michael Arad’s jury selected design Reflecting Absence. The “contemplation room” which contains the unidentified remains of the 9/11 victims and their tomb (now referred to as a symbolic mortuary vessel) at bedrock and open to the sky has NOT been included in the design model for the 9/11 Memorial. Rather, the LMDC revealed that it has now taken the “contemplation room” and placed it in the Memorial Museum. Unlike the Memorial, which will be free, if you have not purchased a timed ticket, you won’t be able to go to bedrock and pay your respects to the 9/11 victims. And, if you don’t want to go through the museum galleries to get there, you won’t have a choice. Take Back the Memorial strenuously objects to having the unidentified remains of the 9/11 victims and their tomb treated as a museum exhibit. We further object to the LMDC denying the public who will pay for this Memorial through both their tax dollars and contributions the right to descend to bedrock and pay their respects as the Memorial intended. While we appreciate the need to raise money for the Memorial and Memorial Museum, the unidentified remains of our loved ones are not for sale. The LMDC cannot continue to act in private and spring the results on the public as a fait accompli while claiming to engage in an “open and transparent process.” The LMDC continues to force the public to fight to keep what they believed was the status quo. And while we fight, they make the next unilateral change.

This latest move is morally reprehensible and entirely unacceptable. Please write or call the Governor at:

George E. Pataki
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224