The immediate few hours after the World Trade Center's Twin Towers collapsed during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, were likely the darkest in the city's history. We must never forget the nearly 3,000 people murdered in the heinous attacks 24 years ago today, and in the years that followed due to conflict and disease related to recovery work at Ground Zero.
My grandma called me as I walked down the street with my best friend: Sweetheart, I have someone here who wants to talk to you. I nearly fainted the day I heard his voice on the other end of my line. Hey Baby Girl, do you know who this is? Dad? Was this my long-lost father? Because I was in foster care at the time, my grandma was not supposed to call me and connect us. But I was happy she did because I was able to build my relationship with him on my terms.
A year ago today we held you as you took your last breaths. They said it could take a day or 2, I was so scared I wouldn't be holding you when you left and that was so important to me.
Fr Convey said they were gathered to support Alan's family at this difficult time. He was reminded that grief is the price we must pay for having loved. Little Alan was very much loved indeed, and so the pain of grief runs even deeper.
"Now more than ever as we see attempts to erase history from our libraries and classrooms, and as some in positions of power openly embrace antisemitism, this gathering serves as both a remembrance and a warning," said Mayor Adena Ishii.
