09/11/2017
On this day in 2001, I and my colleagues watched in horror as the second plane flew into the World Trade Center. Not much later, the attack on the Pentagon. I worked on the Pentagon Renovation, helping to lead the team in designing the renovation of Wedge 1, the area that was destroyed by the attack. Erroneously, showing the immaturity of youth, I left the program to work at another architecture firm before the Wedge 1 renovation was complete. Wonder lust made me leave. I didn't understand it's importance. When the attack happened, fear and fate brought me back. After the attack, tragically, I knew how important this project was.
I was afraid to go back.
I was afraid not to.
My time working on the reconstruction of Wedge 1 and the subsequent renovation of the Pentagon, PENREN to those who know, working with the most amazing people I have ever worked with, has forever shaped and humbled me. It is the most important project I've ever done. I am honored to have played a small part in this amazing effort, and a small part in the battle, healing and reconstruction of this building, the house of our armed forces. I am forever awed by the spirit, the intelligence and the will of all those involved. I hold a piece of the Pentagon as I write this, in solidarity with my PENREN brothers and sisters.
9 11 2001 started out as a horrific reminder of evil. We will forever be scarred by this cowardly attack on our country and our people. We honor and mourn those innocent people who died from the attacks, and we celebrate the courage and heroism of all that helped save, protect and serve the survivors. We have been forever changed by the events of 911. 911 requires a moment of mourning but once the mourning is over, It changes to a lifetime of resolve. The remembrance of 911 will forever be a call to arms. The years that have followed have shown our courage, our strength and our indomitable spirit. Rather than weakness, 911 has become a testament to the will of America and Americans, who, when standing together, can do....anything.