Press Release - The International Freedom Center

June 25, 2005

The Battle over Ground Zero - by Paula Berry, New York Daily News

For me, solving the puzzle that is Ground Zero has always been a straightforward proposition: Ensuring we remember and honor all those we lost, like my husband, David, while honoring the things they stood for in life. It's a balance between making sure we as family members have a powerful memorial to honor our loved ones, and ensuring the site reflects the hope and aspirations for the future that David, like many others, had for his family.

I believe that with the memorial, the museum devoted to the events of Sept. 11 and the International Freedom Center, we have achieved that balance. I trust and hope that the Drawing Center will also rise to the occasion and meet the challenges that Gov. Pataki has presented us.

In large part, that balance has been attained thanks to the vigorous participation of family members at every step of the process.

For us, the families, of course the attack on Sept. 11 was most personal and our connection to the victims intimate. The memorial itself must honor that and be about the people who lost their lives. The most difficult task I've had since Sept. 11 was sitting on the memorial jury that selected Michael Arad and Peter Walker's Reflecting Absence. After much arduous discussions and many a shed tear, I know we chose the best one and fulfilled the memorial mission statement that so many people, including family members, worked hard to produce.

For me and other family members, the memorial - with its waterfalls and a veritable forest of trees - will be a place to grieve and remember. For everyone, it will provide a place of quiet and uplifting contemplation.

Next to the memorial will be a museum devoted to the events of Sept. 11. It will house the artifacts recovered from the site and tell the story of the heroism that took place that day. The lives of those who were lost will be honored there in a number of exhibits. Family members will play an important role in shaping this memorial museum.

Finally there will be the International Freedom Center, a new institution for which I am serving as vice chairwoman. The Freedom Center must be able to speak to those whose connection is not to the individuals but to the ideals that those who died represent. The values of every American, not to mention those of many around the world, were attacked that day. That trauma should be acknowledged as well.

We must respond to those who want to destroy us by honoring those forces that make this country great. That is what the Freedom Center will do.

America was attacked not because of who we were on Sept. 10, but because of who we have been for centuries. It is right that we tell the story of freedom, its heroes and its triumphs at the site where our freedom was challenged like never before.

Like many people, when I walk by Ground Zero today I get frustrated with how long the redevelopment is taking. I understand the anger some family members feel at those charged with leading this process, but I believe they have been true to their promise to put the families first.

I think we're well on our way to accomplishing our goals, both to honor our loved ones and to honor the ideals that make this country great. I take great pride in the courage and the role of the Sept. 11 families in ensuring its success.

Berry, whose husband, David, died on 9/11, served as a memorial juror.

Originally published on June 25, 2005

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