The need for a memorial tower

By Samuel L. Blumenfeld
web posted October 8, 2001

There has already been discussion of what will replace the Twin
Towers of the World Trade Center destroyed by the Islamic
terrorists. Environmentalists want the usual empty space, a park
in the middle of the financial district. But I believe that an empty
space would simply become a permanent scar reminding us of
the terrible destruction that took place on September 11th,
2001. It would become a haunted space providing no spiritual
comfort for the souls of New Yorkers, who would be constantly
reminded of what was once there and is no more.

We need something with the spiritual power to help us overcome
this diabolical atrocity and the tragedies it has caused. We need
something positive to replace the debilitating effects of eternal
mourning. We need to be uplifted, and therefore, to achieve this,
I propose that the City of New York build a Memorial Tower,
the tallest in the world, at the very spot where the Twin Towers
stood and where more than 6,000 human beings perished. It
should soar to heaven with a Cathedral on the top thirty floors to
demonstrate its spiritual significance. At night, the Cathedral at
the top would be beautifully lit so that it could be seen for miles
around.

The first sixty floors should be devoted to commercial office
space. The next thirty floors should be occupied by government
offices knowing full well that the federal government will be
monitoring security at every American airport to prevent any
future attacks by hijackers. And the top thirty floors would house
the Memorial Cathedral which visitors from all over the world
and the thousands of New Yorkers who lost loved ones in the
World Trade Center can come to for moments of meditation and
solice.

Since most of the dead were incinerated by the explosive jet fuel
that destroyed the buildings, there are virtually no bodies to be
buried. Yet their spirits haunt the place. That is why an American
Cathedral with an observatory atop the world's tallest building
would serve as a fitting memorial to all of those who were lost.

In addition, as the world's tallest tower, it would signify that
America's spirit-filled optimism was not broken by this cruel
attack. It was strengthened. It would signify that those who tried
to turn the American dream into a permanent American
nightmare, failed miserably, utterly and completely.

A competition among architects to design the new Memorial
Tower would turn our minds to a positive recognition of the need
to move forward as well as to remember what happened. The
American dream did not end on September 11th, 2001. It
suffered a heart-rending blow, but it was not destroyed.

America suffered greatly during its Civil War, but because it was
fought for freedom, its aftermath of reconstruction enabled the
nation to reach even greater heights in achievement.

This new war against terrorism will affirm America's vision of a
benevolent universe in which human beings can pursue happiness
for themselves and their children in a world where evil has been
reined in and rendered impotent. America is still considered by
people around the globe as the world's best hope. A Memorial
Tower with a Cathedral at the top will inspire our children to
seek spiritual strength and guidance from above. It will become a
world symbol of the triumph of good over evil.

We were such a symbol in World War II and during the long
Cold War. We prevailed, and freedom spread. The new enemy
is as diabolical as any we've had in the past. We shall have to
destroy it, or it will destroy us.

Samuel L. Blumenfeld has written eight books on education. He
is best known for his efforts to provide parents with easy-to-use
materials in teaching children to read. His books are available on
Amazon.com.

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