The Rising (memorial) facts for kids
The Rising is a special memorial in Valhalla, New York. It is located in the Kensico Dam Plaza, in Westchester County, New York. An architect named Frederic Schwartz designed it. The memorial stands near the Kensico Dam. It helps us remember the September 11 attacks. It especially honors the people from Westchester County who were victims of those attacks.
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Designing the Memorial
The design for The Rising was chosen by a group of families. These were families of victims and survivors from Westchester. They picked the design from many ideas in a worldwide competition. Creating the memorial was a big team effort. Architects, engineers, computer experts, sculptors, and welders all worked together. Government officials and family members also helped a lot.
This memorial honors the victims from Westchester County. It lists the names of residents who died in the 9/11 attacks. It also shows the towns where they lived. Around the circular base, there are quotes about each person. Their families chose these special words.
From the base, 109 steel rods reach upwards. Each rod represents one victim remembered by the memorial. They spread out like spokes on a wheel, then twist together. A 110th rod was also made. This rod was cut into pieces. Each piece was given to someone who helped build the memorial.
Frederic Schwartz, the architect, explained his goal. He wanted the memorial to be a place for families to remember. It's also a place for the community to look forward. He hoped it would be a spot for quiet thought and prayer. The 109 twisted rods rise 80 feet high. They reach up towards the sky. These rods are joined together. This shows the strength of the Westchester community. It also shows the strength of the families who lost loved ones.
Schwartz also noted that the shiny stainless steel changes. It looks different depending on the time of day and the light. This makes the structure feel alive. Visitors can even see themselves reflected in it. He wanted the memorial to be a place where people gather. It shows that individuals and the community can heal and grow.
Remembering the Victims
This memorial remembers 109 residents from Westchester. It also includes the names of ten more victims. These ten people used to live in Westchester. There were actually 110 Westchester residents who died. One person's name was accidentally left out at first. The main design stayed the same. That person's name was later added to the stones at the base.
Dedication Ceremony
The memorial was officially opened on September 11, 2006. This was five years after the attacks. During the ceremony, all the victims' names were read aloud. The Mayor's Interfaith Community Choir from Mount Vernon performed music. There was also a special performance of the song "The Rising." This song was created by Bruce Springsteen in 2002.
Awards and Recognition
The Rising received a special award in 2007. The Faith and Form Journal gave it the Faith and Form Sacred Landscape Award. This journal focuses on religion, art, and architecture.
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