New York City Rental Car and Ground Zero

September 11th, 2001 will always be remembered as one of the worst days in the history of New York City. An entire nation watched as the two iconic tours of the World Trade Center burst into flame, eventually collapsing into a mountain of incomprehensible rubble in the center of Manhattan’s busiest district. This unforgivable act of terrorism took the lives of 3000 people that day, including 350 brave rescue workers, police officers and firefighters. Over the past four years the nation has struggled to recover from the September 11th disaster, which has left a gap both in both Manhattan skyline and the hearts of the city’s inhabitants. This healing process will be long and hard, but there is hope. The city of New York has decided to erect an immense memorial at Ground Zero, commemorating the brave men and women who lost their lives as a result of the attacks. This new complex of buildings and public space will symbolize much more than the loss suffered on September 11th; instead it will show the world a nation’s heart and a city’s indomitable strength.

Viewing Ground Zero

It is possible to catch a glimpse of Ground Zero from various NYC locations. Prestige New York City Car Rentals recommends taking a trip to the top of the Empire State Building. Although this is located quite a distance from the former site of the World Trade Center, it still provides a breathtaking view of the Ground Zero region. Helicopter tours of the city also provide a birds-eye view of the area, while waterside tours can also be arrange through Circle Line Boat Tours. If you would like to look at a live webcam shot of Ground Zero you can also visit the Earthcam image at www.earthcam.com. As of right now there is very little for New York City car rental travelers to see at Ground Zero aside from the ghostly footprints of what were once two immense structures. A new train station has already been built on the outskirts of the site along Church Street as a replacement for the New Jersey PATH commuter station that was destroyed by the Towers collapse. New York City car rental travelers are permitted to visit the upper level of the train station if they wish to get an up close view of the current construction site.

Temporary Memorials

If any New York City car rental customers would like to show their respects for the thousands of victims affect by the September 11th attacks there is currently a temporary memorial situated inside Manhattan’s Battery Park. Known simply as “The Sphere from Plaza Fountain”, the memorial consists of the mangled fountain centerpiece which once adorned the walkway in front of the World Trade Center. An eternal flame of remembrance was lit one year after the attacks, as a symbol of eternal remembrance and strength. New York City car rental travelers can also visit a temporary memorial located inside Saint Paul’s Chapel on Broadway and Fulton Streets. This memorial features an exhibit commemorating the hundreds of rescue workers who sought solace and respite within the walls of the chapel during the long and emotional cleanup operation.

The Freedom Tower Memorial

When construction is complete on the Ground Zero site a new memorial will be unveiled to the world commemorating the nation’s vow to “never forget” the lives lost in the September 11th attacks. The Freedom Tower, as it is called, will be upon completion, the largest building in the world, measuring in at just over 2,000 feet. The building, which was proposed and designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, aspires to replace all of the 10 million square feet of commercial space which was obliterated just over four years ago. Designed as an “exclamation point” on the New York City Skyline, the Freedom Tower will contain more than 60 floors of office space, and indoor observation deck, a restaurant and event space. The building’s estimated completion is in 2008.