Letters: 9/11 anniversary raises passions

I have been profoundly touched by your extraordinary coverage of Sept. 11. Each of your many articles and stories has been substantive, sensitive and tastefully done. You have profiled many victims so warmly that their families undoubtedly had to frame the articles for posting in their homes, to be read and reread.

Your culmination with the posting of each victim's name, nearly 3,000 of them, was simply incredible [News, Sept. 11]. You did a huge service for all of your readers, and you made this important anniversary what it deserved to be, truly a memorable one.

Stan Friedland, Syosset
 

My hope is that people realize the enormity of what it took to complete the outdoor memorial at Ground Zero in time for the 10th anniversary ["Thousands visit memorial," News, Sept. 13]. I hope that they will recognize and thank those largely responsible, and I'm not talking about politicians or planning groups.

I'm talking about the thousands of construction workers, electricians, plumbers, masons, iron workers, laborers and other tradespeople who have been pouring their hearts and souls into making sure it happened. They have worked outdoors in extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, wind and snow for years. Forget the amenities that most of us take for granted at work -- they weren't found on this job.

They deserve our respect and gratitude for their hard work and dedication in bringing architect Michael Arad's vision to life and giving us all what we so desperately need -- a place to honor everyone who lost their lives on that day and to mourn those whose remains were never recovered.

Diane Truncellito, Farmingdale
 

As a New York City firefighter who lost dozens of friends, I can't begin to express my disdain for your insulting piece ["How artists helped us cope," Fanfare, Sept. 11].

I understand that everyone copes with tragedy in different ways. But, tell me, how many artists actually knew a single person who perished from that horrible tragedy? How could they possibly understand or relate to what we have gone through and continue to go through? They managed to take a day in history that changed the lives of all Americans and turn it into a profit for themselves, as they usually do. Every cent should be used to help the families of the victims.

Your piece further illustrates our celebrity-obsessed culture. This is a somber time. To give mention to Jadakiss and his song, "Why (did Bush knock down the towers)?," is a further insult to what truly happened. Let's not forget who was actually piloting those planes.

Peter Pergola, Centerport
 

As I read the heartwarming recollections of "The children of 9/11" [News, Sept. 11] and heard the names of those lost announced from my TV, it became clear to me at that moment that the United States will forever be the greatest country in the history of the world.

While we have our political differences, we will continue to be resilient and resolve these issues. As we endure the hardships and disappointments of a sluggish economy, we will persevere and become a stronger nation than ever. And while the world looks upon us as a weakened nation, it is we, the people, who will mark this time as our finest hour.

The world watched as we mourned the loss of loved ones, inflicted by cowards and ignorance, and witnessed an unrelenting strength and resolve that will forever make us . . . US.

Lou Desiderio, South Huntington