In Memory of Sept 11

Today's remembrance of the September 11, 2001 attacks is centered on the World Trade Center site and the newly dedicated Memorial, two pools which occupy the footprints of the Twin Towers. As I type this, the reading of the victims' names is wrapping up at this location. Yet this memorial is just one (and easily the most expensive) of many memorials dedicated to those events eleven years ago. Below is a sampling of the more significant permanent memorials, from most recent to earliest in terms of their dedication dates.

As can be seen from these photos, abstraction is a common trait of these (and most contemporary) memorials. Yet most shy away from a literal relationship to the Twin Towers, opting to express loss as void, create direct visual relationships between the memorial and the site of disaster, and evoke emotions through the names of the lost ones rather than figural forms. Please comment if I missed one that deserves inclusion here, and I'll add it.

Robert Peraza, who lost his son Robert David Peraza, pauses at his son's name at the North Pool of the 9/11 Memorial during the 11th anniversary ceremonies at the site of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2011.

Former U.S. President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama visit the North Memorial Pond as they arrive for a commemoration ceremony on the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks at the National Sept. 11 Memorial, in New York City.