When I was in New Jersey in April, I visited Liberty Park.
It’s home to the Empty Sky memorial
And the outdoor waiting area and old railway station
That used to take immigrants to their new homes all over the USA.
Both places are near each other — and it struck me
How they are almost opposites: the one being all about destruction and loss;
The other (in need of renovation – see last photo) a reminder of an age of tolerance and understanding.
Now that there is a harder attitude to refugees and immigrants and otherness
Around the world – it is somehow comforting to think that once the sky wasn’t empty,
But filled with open arms for people looking for a better life.
There was less ‘we and them’ and more ‘us’.
It’s my hope that there will be less hate and more love in the world.
For more stories, please visit: Our World.
Thank you for this remembrance!
LikeLike
Hello, lovely post and images. I wish for more peace and love in the world. Less hate. Thanks for sharing. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!
LikeLike
Beautiful written and beautiful pictures-as always. Your pictures have something comforting about them!
LikeLike
I’ve never seen anyone post this before… Beautiful… In fact, I’m not sure I have any blog friends who have posted anything from New Jersey… I had never thought of that… Our country has prided itself for bringing lots and lots of immigrants here for many many years—people who work hard and want a new life and are happy to be here. I hope that can continue —if they will come LEGALLY and if they are willing to work hard and live peaceful lives –happy to have the freedom we enjoy. Life is not easy these days when it comes to immigration, when people only come here to commit crimes and/or to expect a ‘free’ ride without working hard, or to complain about our country/traditions… PRAYERS are needed for America (and for all countries around the world experiencing this).
Hugs,
Betsy
LikeLike
Beautiful photos! One day, love will remain. Have a great day!
LikeLike
I’ve become less tolerant after what happened. There was no need for what was done, the innocent are always the ones who pay
LikeLike
The innocent people on all sides are the ones to pay, unfortunately.
Lady Fi wrote: > >
LikeLike
A lovely post, Fi. I echo your sentiments.
LikeLike
Very moving and lovely post.
LikeLike
We have entered such a sad bit of our history, your photos and thoughts are so touching.
LikeLike
Yes!! More “us”!!! Lovely post. 🙂
LikeLike
Fabulous shots!!!!
LikeLike
It is touching. Loss and renewal…
LikeLike
I’m hoping right along with you, Fi.
LikeLike
touching words paired with brilliant shots !
LikeLike
I have exactly the pictures you put up here. I wish i could have see the Twin Towers 15 years back.
Wish for Peace around.
LikeLike
such beautiful shots and words Fiona. i too wish for more togetherness
LikeLike
Excellent photo.
They all tell us.
Greetings, Fiona.
LikeLike
Kudos on those lovely shots
LikeLike
Wonderful captures and so many contrasts. More love and less hate in the world ,,, we certainly need that and that always starts with each one of us.
LikeLike
interesting. I never heard about this place.
LikeLike
unfortunately terrorists have entered the country under the disguise of refugees which is why screening should be harder … I live in NY and the 9/11 15th anniversary was just yesterday … some of the plane hijackers that crashed into the towers had been taking pilot classes in the US … I too wish for peace … there is got to be a better way to keep terrorists out and welcome legitimate immigrants
LikeLike
I share you hopes. We are much more similar than we are different. All of us.
LikeLike
Lovely tribute! We have to believe the world will be ok.
LikeLike
You are very lucky to be able to visit this memorial. I have never been and hope someday I too could go and see. Have a lovely week.
Worth a Thousand Words
LikeLike
Thank You
LikeLike
I agree—- worth a thousand words— Well said, ewok.
LikeLike
if only…
LikeLike
Agreed – less hate and more love and the world would be a better place.
LikeLike
I visited the memorial back in 2008…the future tower was just a hole in the ground at that time. It was very powerful just to be there. When it’s far away, it doesn’t seem as “real,” but standing in the actual spot just takes your breath away.
Stephanie
http://stephie5741.blogspot.com
LikeLike
Gorgeous, both your words and images, Fiona! I have never seen a view of NYC and One World Trade Center from the Jersey side, it’s beautiful!
I especially love the second photo down, it’s stunning!
I had visited the Twin Towers about a month before the terrorist attacks. In fact, I have photos of my friend and I standing on the observation deck. And whenever I look at those photos, I get chills.
Thanks so much for sharing this post, my friend! X
LikeLike
Thats a lovely post and a beautiful sentiment. I couldn’t agree more. At the end of the day most immigrants are just trying to find safety and security for themselves and their families, and not doing anything else than we would do ourselves. Beautiful photos and location as well.
LikeLike
Very nice and touching post. Great pictures.
LikeLike
We must never give up hope for a united world.
LikeLike
Beautiful pictures and words. Here’s to more “us” in the world. 🙂
LikeLike
Amazing pics. Great post.
Greetings.
LikeLike
the outdoor area looks so beautiful. Great photography location.
LikeLike
So interesting, I’ve never
heard of this before.
I wish you a nice day.
Love Anne-Mari
LikeLike
It’s been tough around the world, hasn’t it! Canada has embraced more than 25,000 refugees and they are doing so well. It’s a handful, but we can only do the best we can do. I’ve had a fair number of Muslim students in my classrooms and have just adored them. Our multiculutral classrooms as so enriched by refugees. Kids whose families have fled the Gulf War, the Vietnamese Boat People, and they are amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Somber reminder of the past.
LikeLike
such beautiful and interesting photos!
LikeLike
Beautiful photos and a great sentiment.
LikeLike
Wonderful images of the city.
LikeLike
Lovely remembrance photos ~
Happy Week to you ~ ^_^
LikeLike
beautiful.
LikeLike
Amazing pictures!
LikeLike
Thank you for the good wishes and the hope…. keep on hoping and praying and sending good wishes for our coming election not to take this country back to the dark ages.
LikeLike
The composition of that first shot is pure art.
LikeLike
OMG The second one too. It just uploaded slower.
LikeLike
I echo your sentiments and am again in awe of your amazing photography. Your post is bittersweet, poignant and oh so beautiful.
LikeLike
Well said, my forefathers (and foremothers?) came from Ireland, Denmark, and England.
LikeLike
Beautiful photos and tribute, very nice colors and compositions
LikeLike
What a beautiful post. Thanks for sharing such moving pictures and words. The world does need more open arms than hate that keeps them out.
LikeLike
so beautiful!
LikeLike
Lovely remembrance post. Thank you – yes, if only there could be less hate and more love. As long as most of us stick to that, we’ll be OK. Let’s hope.
LikeLike
It wasn’t open when we visited last year. What a shame as it looks wonderful and you got some great shots.
LikeLike
superbe ce deuxième cliché
LikeLike
Beautiful series Fi.
LikeLike
To remember and to hope. I lost a young friend on the Pentagon plane – a close friend and college mate of my sons. It is always a sad day of remembrance for me.
LikeLike
amazing 🙂
LikeLike
Wow!Love the memorial shot most
LikeLike
beautiful text and photos
LikeLike
We live in strange days – people seem far to willing to judge and far to unwilling to listen.
Stewart M – Melbourne
LikeLike
i have been there several times .. in fact my shot of the twin towers was taken from where the memorial is years before 2001 but i never noticed the old railroad waiting room/area … fabulous post
LikeLike
Thank you …. truly appreciate the words you share.
LikeLike
Great recollection with words and images!
LikeLike
Incroyable shots of the Empty Sky Memorial Fiona, your hopes are my hopes for future tolerance.
LikeLike
Thought provoking places, indeed. I believe we all share your hopes..
LikeLike
Impressive !
LikeLike
As imagens parecem uma pintura de um artista moderno, belíssimas!
LikeLike
I have the same hope Fiona–more love less hate.
LikeLike
I like the dreamy blue art and buildings. They don’t look at all like veritable.
LikeLike
infinitamente bello e commovente! un bacio per le bellissime parole!
LikeLike