My 9/11 Memorial Cobblestone

by on September 8, 2011 in Reflection

One Tuesday morning a city, a nation, and the world changed. September 11th changed everything.

We all have our story. I worked downtown and walked home completely covered in ash. The day found me frightened, sad, and disillusioned. Over time those feelings changed and so did my life, but that day is one I can never forget.

the statue of liberty overlooking the twin towers in new york city. never forget.

I miss this view.

National September 11 Memorial and Museum

It is important to remember, reflect and respect each anniversary. I believe it helps us all heal. It helps the city, the nation, and it certainly helps me. When asked to support the creation of a National September 11 Memorial and Museum it was an easy decision. I wanted a place for people to go and learn about what happened. And even more importantly I wanted to ensure the place existed where people at the very site where the buildings I knew so well once stood tall.

My initial donation the 9/11 Memorial Museum included a cobblestone. To be honest, I am not sure where the stone will be placed except that it will be part of the walk. That didn’t matter, but what did matter were my words. I knew my 255 character dedication prose would appear online and in the archives. I needed to write something special.

september 11th memorial in new york city.

So, now, on the 10th anniversary I want to share what I wrote, my dedication –

For the fallen and also those who got up again;  for those who needed help and those who helped those in need; for all to remember and the others who can’t forget – stay strong, stay committed, and stay adventurous, Craig Zabransky

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  • http://www.keppiecareers.com Miriam Salpeter, Keppie Careers

    Craig – Very beautifully stated. Thank you for sharing your thoughtful, meaningful words.

  • http://www.traveldesigned.com TravelDesigned

    Craig, you know I think a lot of you and now I know why.

  • http://www.wendypgreene.blogspot.com Wendy Greene

    Beautiful and perfect, Craig.

  • The Chairman

    Z, this is great stuff. I remember being so horrified that day, watching the new channels at work. That night, everyone in our neighborhood lit candles outside their front doors….Everyone. And at that point, there was this feeling of unity with the neighborhood, the country and the world. There was beauty in that. That’s the part that I’d like to never forget.
    Keep sharing Brother!

  • http://www.thetravelingbard.com Allison

    Beautifully written. I think a place of education brings about understanding, and we will always need to make sure everyone has an understanding of the events that helped shaped us in the years after and to come.

  • http://meetplango.com Michaela Potter

    Very touching words Craig.

    And you can find your cobblestone here: http://names.911memorial.org/#lang=en_US&page=cobblestone&id=381151

  • http://www.somewherethereisjeannie.wordpress.com Jeannie

    absolutely beautiful commemoration!

  • http://www.stayadventurous.com Craig Zabransky

    Thank you all for taking the time to read my words and comment. I am glad my words and thoughts resonated and touched you… They touched me as I penned them.

    I agree it is important to remember the unity we had as people and also provide a place for education for the future. I am glad we are and also I am happy to participate.

    Thank you again.

    stay adventurous, Craig

  • Maria Robertson

    thats a pretty awesome dedication..

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  • http://twitter.com/jettingaround Jetting Around

    I will never, ever forget that day… That goes without saying really. I LOVE the dedication, and how you incorporated your motto in it. By the way, I had no idea you worked in NYC back then…

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      Yes. A different life; a different world. And actually, I almost thought about removing my motto from the dedication because I thought others wouldn’t think it fit…… but then I realized, no that is me, the day is a part of me, and it actually fits so well for me….

      stay adventurous, Craig

  • http://twitter.com/ilivetotravel Raul

    Very nice, Craig.

  • http://twitter.com/mrsoaroundworld Ana Silva O’Reilly

    very very nice – loved what you did

  • http://www.theworldofdeej.com The World of Deej

    Man….that is, well, awesome… Great stuff Craig. Do you know where the stone is placed?

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      I do now, there is a link in the comment below by Michaela Potter, she was kind enough to look it up for me. stay adventurous, Craig

  • Fiona

    Very nice tribute Craig

  • travelingted

    Touching tribute and thanks for not letting us forget what we will always remember.

  • http://twitter.com/L_e_a_h Leah Travels

    Wonderful, Craig. Getting to the memorial and museum is high on my priority list for NYC.

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      It is a powerful place, no doubt. And make sure you make reservations in advance via their website too… stay adventurous, Craig

  • Maria

    Fantastic memorial and such a worth cause to donate to.

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      agreed.

  • Jeff Dobbins

    Your dedication is incredibly moving. I too was here in NYC and survived that day. And, like you, the impact of that day changed me.

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      Thanks Jeff, yes, life changing no doubt. I appreciate your comment and sharing the post… Craig

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