Staff Writer
Thirteen years after the attack on the
World Trade Center, the National September 11 Memorial Museum has finished
construction. The facility remembers the
lives that were lost as well as the survivors of the attack and first
responders that risked or lost their lives.
The building stands on the same land where the Twin Towers once stood.
The museum will feature artifacts for
the public to view. These are items
belonging to the victims, survivors, and first responders which were donated by
families of the victims or survivors. Other
important items on display at the museum are the Ladder Co. 3 fire truck which
was destroyed in the attack and the Survivors’ Staircase along with a steel cross
found among the wreckage. Videos and
pictures taken during the attacks are on display for visitors to see. There are voice mail messages that passengers
on the planes left to family members that visitors can listen to. Firefighters’ helmets donated by family
members will also be on display.
Controversy has arisen regarding a
documentary about worldwide terrorism.
The use of words such as “Islam” and “jihad” have caused interfaith
leaders to ask for editing of the video, but museum officials have refused. Also controversial is the museum gift shop
which has items such as caps, scarves and charms that visitors can buy. There is also a $24 entrance fee for adults
and a $15 fee for children. These have both been seen as insensitive to the
victims and survivors.
On Thursday May 15, the museum had a
dedication ceremony for the families of the victims, survivors and first
responders. The museum officially opened
on Wednesday, May 21. Counselors were
available to help ease the pain.
