Remembering September 11, 2001

In this post I’m sharing a few of my first impressions of New York City from a visit in 2013, 12 years after the Twin Towers were attacked.

updated September 9, 2024

I visited New York City once, in 2013, 12 years after the terrorist attack. I took these photos then. 

One World Trade Center, photo taken 8/16/2013
One World Trade Center, photo taken 8/16/2013
IMG_1551
a view of Manhattan and Liberty Island from the harbor
a New York City police officer and his horse represent the city proudly
A New York City police officer and his horse represent the city proudly
honoring the brave firefighters who rescued survivors and those who lost their lives doing so
While we were eating outside a restaurant, this FDNY firetruck drove by, reminding me of the brave firefighters who rescued survivors and those who died doing so

In this post, I reviewed a book about 9/11, Working Stiff

Remembering and reading about September 11, 2001

Even though the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States happened long ago, there are still lessons to remember and to learn. This post highlights some of the literature that preserves that knowledge.

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exploring the HEART of health in history

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Memorial Day at Angel Fire Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May in the U.S., honors those who died serving in the armed forces. In 2014, we visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire, New Mexico, to participate in a remembrance service and view an engraved brick .

updated May 25, 2025

The United States celebrates Memorial Day on the last Monday of  May, a day set aside to remember people who died while serving in the armed forces, although many families use it to remember other deceased loved ones also.  

Memorial Day 2014 was special and unique for my husband and me.

We had planned a trip to New Mexico, not realizing we would be there on Memorial Day. I was attending a medical conference. We wanted to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Angel Fire.

Since my husband is a Vietnam Veteran, I had ordered a brick engraved with his name to be laid on the walkway there. We wanted to see it, and decided to go on Memorial Day, to join the special remembrance service they have on that day.

It was a chilly overcast day, not what we expected for late May. Fittingly, the rain held off until the ceremony ended, then it poured down. I took all of the photos in this post.

on the memorial grounds, the chapel in the background
In the background, I am kneeling to view Raymond's brick
In the background, I am kneeling to view Raymond’s brick
Inside the chapel, which is never locked; it is open for anyone to enter at any time
presenting a flag and plaque to the family of a fallen soldier
A flag and plaque were presented to the family of a fallen soldier
music by a local military reserve unit
A local military reserve unit provided music.
Raymond with the late Dr. Westphal, who founded the memorial in honor of his son who died in Vietnam (an old photo)

On an earlier trip Raymond met with the late Dr. Westphall, who founded the memorial in honor of his son David, who died in Vietnam.

 David Westphal Veterans Foundation

“The purpose of the David Westphall Veterans Foundation is to honor America’s veterans and members of its military forces by memorializing the sacrifices they have made and by recognizing the sense of duty and the courage they have displayed as they answered their country’s call to arms.”

Sharing the HEART of remembrance

Thanks for sharing the Angel Fire Memorial with us. If you are ever in northeast New Mexico, don’t miss visiting the memorial, museum, and veterans cemetery which has been added since our last visit. You can also visit nearby Taos and the Taos Pueblo.

I’d love for you to follow this blog and follow me on social media.

I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr Aletha 

A true-life Vietnam Veteran served as the inspiration for this novel about a lost veteran who found his way home. I reviewed it in this post.

REVENANTS-The Odyssey Home: a book review

Most people know and understand what war does to countries- changing boundaries, toppling governments, destroying infrastructure, wasting the land, bankrupting economies. Revanants speaks to the human cost for communities, families, and individuals-driving families apart, killing dreams, interrupting plans, wounding bodies and emotions, and destroying hope. On a global scale, war may be justified but in…

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