Dear Friend,
“No Day Shall Erase You From the Memory of Time.”
These words are from Book IX of “The Aeneid” by the Roman poet Virgil, and speaks to the transformative potential of remembrance. They are also part of an art installation in the 9/11 Memorial Museum created in 2014 by artist Spencer Finch, titled “Trying to Remember the Color of the Sky on That September Morning.”
Every one of the nearly 3,000 watercolor squares is its own shade of blue – one for each attack victim – and the artwork as a whole revolves around the idea of memory. Our own perception of the color blue might not be the same as that of another person. But, just like our perception of color, our memories share a common point of reference.
I had the honor of visiting the 9/11 Memorial Museum for the first time this year, and took this photo while there.
Tomorrow will mark twenty years since 9/11. We promised to never forget, and I still grieve for every life lost on that terrible morning, and for every person who lost loved ones too. Orlando knows how to find power in pain, and though 9/11 marks difficult memories, it also demonstrates the incredible resilience of the American people, the bravery of our first responders, and the collective hope we carry for a better, brighter, healthier, and safer future.
I know that this can also be very difficult times for our veterans and their families. Please remember that you are not alone, and can access veteran mental health services here, at this link.
Please take care of one another, and know that we are here to serve you.
Onward,
Rep. Anna V. Eskamani