‘Hope Rising – To Lift A Nation’

For me, a monument or commemorative statue is a symbol of something that needs remembered or affected people in a permanent way.

The word ‘Monument’ has many connotations, but what does the term actually mean?  There are several definitions, but here are just a few…

1. A structure, such as a building or sculpture, erected as a memorial.
2. An inscribed marker placed at a grave; a tombstone.
3. Something venerated for its enduring historic significance or association with a notable past person or thing: the architectural monuments of ancient Rome; traditions that are monuments to an earlier era.
4.a. An outstanding enduring achievement: a translation that is a monument of scholarship.
b. An exceptional example: “Thousands of them wrote texts, some of them monuments of dullness” (Robert L. Heilbroner).
5. An object, such as a post or stone, fixed in the ground so as to mark a boundary or position.

The ‘Hope Rising – To Lift A Nation’ monument fits many of these descriptions.  It is partially a memorial, a commemorative figure reminding us of those that willingly gave their lives for others on that fateful day of 9/11. It echoes the solemnity of a tomb that stands as a marker for the dead, a tribute to the fallen.  It aptly represents something of ‘enduring historic significance’ as it is a constant reminder of one of the events that shook the world forever.  As far as an ‘outstanding enduring achievement’ goes, what greater achievement is there than instilling hope in others at their darkest hour?

For me, this monument is a tangible means by which to commemorate the dead, remember the past and look forward to the future with hope.  In years to come my children will see it, and hopefully their children also, which encourages me that the lives lost and the lessons learned will not be forgotten.  Let us always remember the day we lost so many, but stood together…

Created by Monument Arts, a division of Colonial Flag.