Commemorating 9/11 – Indo-Americans join hands in remembrance

Sunday September 11, 2011 was a very sensitive and memorable day for the whole world and specially for America. Ten years ago on that day The World Trade Center in New York was attacked and it changed the lives of many. It turned many bitter, angry and sad. However, the country known for being the melting pot or a salad bowl, with immigrants from all over the world, managed to stand right back up with strength and tolerance.

All throughout the weekend Houstonians, part of the fourth largest city in the United States, were seen remembering the day at a variety of events.

The City of Sugarland hosted a special ceremony to remember the tragedy, 9/11: A Decade Later was conducted on the steps of Sugar Land City Hall on Sunday 9/11/2011. The Mayor of Sugar Land, Jimmy Thompson spoke of the bravery displayed by the first responders and their ultimate sacrifice when the terrorists attacked the WTC buildings and the thousands of innocent citizens. The Town Square area in front of the City Hall was decorated with US flags, a Sugar Land Fire truck with ladder hoisted a huge US flag as well. A large number of residents including many Indo-Americans also joined in honoring the heroes of 9/11.

A Sugar Land firefighter’s effort to honor lives lost during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, culminated with the dedication of two ground zero memorial pieces during this special commemoration on the anniversary of the tragedy. the two artifacts on display were a twisted piece of metal with a small remnant of fabric still attached and a portion of a steel beam – that were once part of the World Trade Center.

“I was honored to be part of the ceremony and shared my thoughts on remembering 9/11 a decade later,” says newly elected Sugarland City Council member Harish Jajoo.

Meanwhile, the Rothko Chapel joined hands with Houston Grand Opera to present a song cycle of stories related to people in Houston who experienced the tragedy in a highly personal way. Pieces of 9/11: Memories from Houston, a song cycle by acclaimed American composer Jake Heggie with lyrics by Gene Scheer. As always Rothko Chapel witnessed a packed audience.

The ritual of remembrance does not come to an end with the weekend itself as on Tuesday September 13, 2011 The Rothko Chapel will host a final community conversation about the legacy of 9/11 and its impact on Houston. The topic will be Journey To Hope: How do We Heal the wounds?