If you’ve never been, the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza in downtown Phoenix has a 9\/11 memorial. It uses Mother Nature to send a message.<\/p>\n
PHOENIX \u2014 We\u2019re learning how Phoenix is honoring those who died in the Sept. 11 attacks, which happened 24 years ago.\u00a0<\/p>\n
If you’ve never been, the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza in downtown Phoenix has a 9\/11 memorial. It uses sunlight to send a message.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Architect Eddie Jones helped bring the idea to life 19 years ago.<\/p>\n
“It was an honor,” Jones said. “I mean, gosh, I’ve been here so long. 1973. To be able to participate in an effort that would have impact and memory to the larger population, that was a lot of responsibility.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 9\/11 memorial in downtown Phoenix is called \u201cMoving Memories.\u201d<\/p>\n
“The brief was to design a memorial that would be an educational tool, representing the emotions of Arizonans,” Jones stated. “It wasn’t meant to compete with Ground Zero memorials or any other memorials. This was specifically unique to our place.\u201d<\/p>\n
Several phrases and words, from news headlines and interviews, are stenciled into a circular steel canopy.<\/p>\n
“Well, how do you represent the spectrum of decisions, behavior, history and sentiments? Trying to capture the essence of a range of Arizonans’ responses, from vindictive to forgiving.\u201d<\/p>\n
When the sun comes out, everything becomes easier to see. Words turn into shadows on the bench below the canopy.<\/p>\n
Jones said this symbolizes the awakening of memories.\u00a0<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a timeline sharing when things happened, and words from Arizonans describing how they were feeling afterwards.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll notice phrases like, “Feeling of invincibility lost,” “Remember,” and “Never forget.” <\/p>\n
The memorial honors 51-year-old Gary Bird from Tempe, who died in the Twin Towers on that tragic day in 2001.<\/p>\n
Jones said what he appreciates most about \u201cMoving Memories” is the learning experience it offers people.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“My favorite part is when children are here. Because they’re all they’re objective. They don’t carry with them the pain of the memory of that day,” he said. “It\u2019s wonderment. \u2018What are these little dots of light? Oh my gosh, they’re spelling something. Oh my gosh, now I can read it. Oh, now it’s disappearing.\u2019 It\u2019s beautiful. It’s a beautiful thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jones said among all the words and phrases at the memorial, he has a favorite.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“My favorite one is the word “peace,” Jones replied. “One time I saw a little girl hold ‘peace’ made with light in the palm of her hands. I knew we had been successful when that happened.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jones added the memorial offers a unique learning experience.<\/p>\n
“This circle creates a classroom. There are places for children to sit, and there are places for teachers to stand,” he said. “They can choose any point in the spectrum and begin a conversation about it. I think that’s wonderful.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Jones, the pedestal at the memorial has rubble from the Pentagon attack in Virginia.\u00a0<\/p>\n
There\u2019s also a beam fragment from the South Tower.<\/p>\n
Jones said if he could add anything to the memorial, it\u2019d be the words: “It\u2019s all going to be okay.\u201d<\/p>\n