More than the Skyline changed..

This image hangs framed in my dining area. One of the sweetest memories I have growing up in New York City is the view of the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry. Growing up, I lived on Staten Island and, for a few years, went to Brooklyn Technical High School, a magnet type of engineering school. I have vivid memories of seeing Lady Liberty as I traveled to school each day (I took a bus, ferry and subway) and think that she represents some of the best things about America.

Today we remember those who died on this day nine years ago. The New York skyline changed that day and the view from Liberty Island is different. Yet a change even deeper happened in New York City and America that day. Since that day our country has been different. More than the skyline changed that day.

My hope today is that we would once again remember the words engraved on the base of Lady Liberty.. these are the words from a poem by Emma Lazarus that are written there:

The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

My hope is that our nation will continue to reflect the words and essence of that poem.