September 11, 2001

The date that changed our lives forever...

To commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11, a memorial has been created in AW at 911N 9111E 2a. It is a place of welcome to all, one I hope you will find peaceful and beautiful, as befits all places of remembrance. With only but a few important exceptions, the build does not employ many of AW's more recent technological advances, seeking only to honor the memory of all those who perished, all who selflessly and courageously worked to rescue and give aid, all who were forced instantly to face lives forever changed by shattered hearts and dreams. Beyond all this which has been expressed in countless and more meaningful ways than I might ever summon, is the hope that the build might also serve as a reminder that life is precious and fragile and unguaranteed.

Although the heinous, unspeakable acts of 9/11 were committed on U.S. soil and blatantly against its citizens, the project tries not to be pointedly America-centric. Along with the United States, over 240 people from 89 other nations lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Certainly a global tragedy, one which must never be forgotten, Active Worlds with its diverse global community seems perfectly appropriate for such a memorial.

The Memorials...

To the north of the build's central landing area, you will find memorial plaques with the names of each victim of September 11, 2001 as well as two others who have since succumbed to long illnesses attributed to exposure to the toxic substances in the air at Ground Zero. It seems very important to me that each of these people be remembered. I hope you, too, will agree. To some, probably most, of you they were strangers; to others they were loved ones, family members and friends, all with lives and futures brought to unfair and cruel ends. Perhaps you will take some time to remember because it may just be remembering that will help prevent such an atrocious assault from taking place again.

The Spires...

At the heart of the build are two pair of tall, slender spires, each tapering toward its counterpart at two degrees, rising into the AW skies to meet at 541.32 meters or 1776 feet (as long as you don't measure ·too precisely·). A number as significant to all nations as it is to all Americans, this was the year the first shot was fired, heard 'round the world, which heralded the fledgling beginnings of what would become the world's greatest place of liberty and justice for all. Although too often imperfectly carried out, this is what I like to think comes to the minds of most people the world over when they think of America. My America. America the beautiful who belongs to all who seek her.

What may first come to mind is that the Spires represent the twin towers of the World Trade Center. While this is understandable, it isn't quite apt for it should not be forgotten that the Pentagon and an open field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, a story in itself of grand heroism amid all the heroism on that tragic day, also came under attack. I struggled with the over-arching WTC aspect as I struggled the Spires' shape and placement from my mind's eye into what they ultimately became. I struggled, too, with the futility of creating something only symbolic, especially in a virtually symbolic computer program, that feebly attempts the impossibility of recapturing, retaining things lost forever. Beyond all reasons of remembrance, veneration and historical reference, perhaps in honoring what is lost and past we keep wide the door to what waits to be discovered.

Hence, the Spires have come to reside firmly in my mind as something more, something that is inherent in all people who have always and will always seek for peace and fight for freedom. As much a tribute to those who were lost on September 11, 2001, this commemorative build is dedicated to all people who make better efforts, who undauntedly do what's right, who offer hope when it's all but lost, who do all the many things that seem so simple and insignificant - like saying hello, offering smiles to strangers, and laughing right out loud without reservation - because these are so often what make life so worth living. It is dedicated

 

 

A few words of Thanks...

A huge thanks to TenYearsGone who spent many, many hours scripting and refining the magic numbers on the avatars you'll find strolling and milling around the central area of the Spires. This technologically advanced aspect of the project is what gives it life. Just as noteworthy, I think, are his wonderful birds soaring so effortlessly above and amid the Spires. Their graceful and lifelike routes, executed so skillfully, never fail to inspire me. Thank you, Ten, for all your help.

Thanks, also, to Bach Zhaa who answered many questions about some of AW's latest features and patiently explained how, what, why they work. Then usually ended up just sending me the codes anyway. And to dreamer2, who, well over a year ago, used a bot to place the first object precisely which got the project off the ground.

Always, my gratitude to all who have made and continue to make Active Worlds the unique and fascinating online home it is. Here's to many more years of creativity, learning, lulz, shared knowledge, friendship and possibility!

Peace,

Sidris 88530