For three decades, this sculpture stood in the plaza of the World Trade Center. Entitled "The Sphere" it was conceived by artist Fritz Koenig as a symbol of world peace. It was damaged during the tragic events of September 11, 2001, but endures as an icon of hope and the indestructible spirit of Americans. The Sphere was placed in Battery Park on March 11, 2002 in memory of all who lost their lives during the tragic events of September 11th and the 1993 World trade Center bombing. – Mayor Bloomberg

9/11 Anniversary

There are moments in history where we remember exactly where we were, what we were doing, and whom we were with. All of us will remember the shock and numbness we initially experienced when we heard that the World Trade Towers had collapsed. More than 2,800 people were unable to escape from the towers. Countless police, fire and rescue personnel, who rushed into the towers to assist, perished with them. This event still lingers in our mind as we remember and pay tribute!

Living With Faith and Hope After September 11
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a pastoral message in November, 2001. This pastoral offers words of consolation, criteria for moral discernment, and a call to action and solidarity in these troubling and challenging times.

The September 11 Digital Library
With the 9/11 Anniversary just around the corner you or staffs from your schools or religious education programs may be looking for material to bring into your prayer services. The Smithsonian, with help from the Center for History and New Media, is gathering stories, e-mail messages, images, and videos. Regardless of where you were that day, you are invited to contribute! Many of the contributions are in the public domain.

Fight Hate and Promote Tolerance
Children can read, play, or explore Planet Tolerance. One interactive part of this site allows kids to join other children in creating the largest mural on the web dedicated to unity and justice. Parents can get ideas to help them create a home environment that fosters an understanding of differences. Teachers will find resources like Writing for Change, an online manual that offers more than 50 downloadable activities to help students identify and remove bias in their writing.

You may wish to review Tolerance and Acceptance -- for additional sites that offer material focused on respecting differences.