Living in New York City, with its vibrant diversity and relentless pace, has been a transformative experience that has deeply enriched my life. NYC, celebrated for its resilience and character, presents a daily canvas of human experiences and historical depth. Among its numerous historical monuments, the National 9/11 Memorial stands out as a testament to the challenges we face and the extraordinary strength we muster in confronting them.

I must admit, the full impact of 9/11 did not resonate with me until much later. At the time of the attack, I was only 4 years old and living in California, far removed from the immediacy of the tragedy. It wasn't until I moved to New York and visited the memorial on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 that the reality truly struck me. The victims of 9/11, whom I had once viewed as distant figures, suddenly became individuals with whom I could deeply identify—people just like me.

At the heart of the memorial lies two vast waterfall pools, symbolizing the void left by the loss of the Twin Towers and the lives claimed on September 11, 2001. Surrounding these pools, bronze panels bear the names of the 2,977 victims, arranged in a manner that reflects personal affiliations, lending a deeply meaningful and personalized aspect to the memorial.

One brisk early winter morning, under a dark sky during one of New York's rare quiet hours, I visited the 9/11 Memorial. There, I observed two men equipped with fog lights, large propane tanks, torches, and hammers, diligently working on the bronze panels. Driven by curiosity, I spoke with a group of patrolling security guards and discovered that these individuals were part of a dedicated team tasked with restoring the memorial's bronze panels, a task done daily to remove the vandalism and defacement from the day prior. These men dedicate their early mornings, from 4:30 am to 7:30 am, to this labor of respect. Their commitment is a moving testament to the unwavering dedication to honor the memory of those who were lost.

Prior to this, it never occured to me the level of care and attention required to maintain such a memorial, yet in hindsight it seems obvious. This act of restoration serves as a reminder that showing you care about something extends beyond grand gestures; it's found in the quiet, persistent efforts. By showing up every day, regardless of who unfairly damaged you, and working on things you care about, you demonstrate what you truly value. The work might not always be visible, but the end result is.

Restoring the 9/11 Memorial video