The Sphere by Fritz Koenig is the only sculpture from the World Trade area to survive the 9/11 attacks. Since then it was removed to the Battery Park area of NY where it stands as a memorial. The damages to the sculpture were very visible, and on the day I was visiting there were little birds going in an out of the holes created by the event.
This was where my story began. It was two years ago when the UN General assembly was in session and there were dignitaries from all over the world in attendance. Around the city you would run into many barricades, and sirens provided the background music.
Some friends and I were still finding ways to have fun, after all NYC is an interesting place. We finally ended up in Battery Park and were taking a look at The Sphere when out of the blue on what sounded like a bullhorn we were told to clear the area. We froze in our tracks. What should we do next? I noticed a bench and we all sat down hoping that this would have been enough clearing of the area. What was all the fuss about? For me it was a bit scary.
Several security vehicles passed by, also passing were people who looked like they worked for the secret service. Then another group of people came by and from their appearance I could tell they came from several different countries. What I later found out was that these were dignitaries from the UN on a sightseeing tour. You could say I sat still and speechless for a while because I didn't want to find out the alternative if I didn't.
As much as I sometimes like excitement, that is not a NYC experience I wanted to repeat. So, whenever I hear the UN General session is occurring I know where I won't be found.
Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com
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Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com
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Jennifer - That's scary. I hate going to the city when something's going on - UN session or parades. We got stuck once at the traffic at midtown, it took us two hours to go to NJ just across the Lincoln Tunnel.
Rosalinda from then on, I paid closer attention to what is happening in the city before making the trip.
Jennifer - That is an amazing story! It seems they could come up with a way to shuttle UN officials around without alarming the citizenry - especially after 9-11. You folks have had more than your share of excitement to last a lifetime.
Jennifer This summer we went to see the Friday night parade at Marine Barracks in DC. President Obama was in attendance. It tokk three times as long as usual to go through security and we were held there for an hour after the parade until the presidential party had left - never again
Hi Jennifer... I have been to see The Sphere... it's a moving memorial to that horrific day in the world's history!
Hi Jenn,
Interesting time for you to say the least. Now I have a question, is Battery Park not too far from where one would catch the ferry to Ellis Island and/or Liberty Island? I think we saw this on the same day we visited the other places. It was a cold Dec. afteroon last year.
Jennifer,
I've been there and yea looks kind of creepy and I can tell why it survided all the stuff that went on there for the material.
Jennifer, I can see how that could be scary, and probably maybe even have created some visions of 9/11 standing by that sculpture while those security guards were running around.
Jennifer, this is one of those stories that iws much better for the tellilng than living through the event itself. Glad to see that everything came out ok.
That would be a little unnerving to hear "Clear the area" and not realize why. I'm glad they were able to salvage the sculpture; thanks for telling us its story.
Myrl - We were left speechless, but when it was all over had a great laugh.
Karen I can truly understand why tou have drawn the line..:)
Steve It really makes you think,
Lynda yes it is.
Ray For many who escaped that day this is probably a tangible reminder of the event.
George not exactly my idea of fun.
Guy me too.
John You could say I froze and was speechless --:)
Jennifer, I would have been a bit frightened too. And would check any and all events in the city before going after hearing that.
That is so cool they moved the sculpture, I didn't know that, thank you!
Jennifer, gorgeous.
I just got back from Washington, D.C and they have some sculptures in the American History Museum.
Sobering, isn't it.
May be never forget.
I hadn't really thought about it, but I guess there would be a lingering sense of fear, for many years after those attacks... and the previous ones! But, what I thought was interesting is that the birds were nesting in the damaged sphere. Where evil had come and caused death and destruction, new life has made a home. It reminds me of two scriptures. (I remember passages, but not locations. I'll have to look them up... I may blog this if the thought grows.)
Andrea In NYC I suspect you have to expect the unexpected. When it comes to the UN General Assembly I will stay away.
Missy it is sobering.
I love visiting museums; sounds like you had a great trip.
Lisa For me I would have stopped dead in my track if I heard those words anywhere it was coincidental where I was standing at the time.
For many who actually experienced 911 I am sure this experience would have triggered negative feelings.
Jennifer, Thanks for the post. I will make sure I know when they are in session next time I visit NY. Happy holidays.
Interesting...It looks like a mini space ship you would see in a movie. Definitely a reminder of a tragic piece of our history.
Wow Jennifer...that is an exceptional story, and memory for a lifetime. Thank you for sharing your piece of history with us!
Cheron Lange