Empty sky

• ladyfi

When I was in New Jersey in April, I visited Liberty Park.

It’s home to the Empty Sky memorial

Emptysky1.jpg

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;

Emptysky2.jpg

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.

Waiting area.jpg

Immigrant waiting area

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73 thoughts on “Empty sky”

  4. 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

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  21. 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

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  30. 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

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  31. 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.

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  38. 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.

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  54. 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.

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  58. 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.

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  63. 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

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