RISING FROM THE ASHES, NEW TOWER REFLECTS AMERICA'S SPIRIT

The new tower stands proudly where the Twin Towers were.

The sound and sight of running water provide comfort and reminder to family, friends and visitors at the new Tower One memorial in New York's financial district. Each of the nearly 3,000 victims of the 9-11 terrorist attack is remembered with a rose on his or her birthday.

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

THE HORRORS of September 11, 2001, will never vanish. But the beautiful new tower, sturdy stone slabs, soothing water and engraved names of victims help ease the pain of atrocities committed by terrorists on that sunny autumn day 20 years ago. 

We've twice visited the new One World Trade Center and are moved by the reverence people pay as they view the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan, New York City. 

One WTC is the tallest building in the United States, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and the sixth-tallest in the world. Its 104 stories tower a symbolic 1,776 feet above sea level, providing a symbol of hope for many U.S. citizens and people around the world.

Bruce Keller pays his respects at the stone slab monuments in the 9/11 Memorial Glade.

ONE WORLD Trade Center (nicknamed 1WTC) stands for the unwavering optimism of our country, which continues to look forward and dream big. The stone slab monuments, named the 9/11 Memorial Glade, recognize "the health impact of 9/11 that caused cancer, death and disabilities." Many have perished or are still suffering from their contact with smoke and toxic debris.

Earlier visit recalled

As a reminder of the horror: On a perfect autumn morning, September 11, 2001, members of the Islamic extremist group Al Qaeda coordinated four attacks using hijacked commercial airliners in the United States. Four planes crashed, killing scores of innocent people going about their normal lives.

One World Trade Center stands a symbolic 1,776 feet high, representing American spirit.

Family and friends of the martyred victims take photos or shoot film.

First, the two iconic towers fell. The Pentagon sustained major damage from a third plane. A fourth plane went down in Pennsylvania, diverted by a heroic group of passengers.  Nearly 3,000 victims lost their lives. Countless more suffered immediate injuries and long-term health issues.

Memorials sprung up and lasted for months  on the streets of New York. Visitors to the new monument also leave flowers and notes which are archived for the nearby museum.

ON OUR SECOND visit a few weeks ago, we paid our respects in preparation for this week's solemn 20th anniversary of the attacks. We saw parents, children, spouses and friends gently touching the beautiful granite engravings, surrounded by flowing water. Many wiped tears. According to architect Michael Arad, the pools represent “absence made visible.” Although water flows into the voids, he said, "They can never be filled." The sound of the cascading water makes the pools a place of tranquility and contemplation separate from the bustling noises of the city. Names of the 2,983 people killed in the 2001 and 1993 terrorist attacks are inscribed on bronze parapets edging the pools. Nearby, the 9/11 Memorial Museum's permanent collection extends the moving experience.  One sees an unsettling repository of material evidence, primary testimony, and historical records. Again, many people were weeping.

THE 9/11 attacks changed America, and the world, forever. May we long remember.

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The Fox Theater may not look quite like it did in 1931, but the Billings, Montana, landmark is celebrating an expensive renovation.

UP NEXT: When the Fox Theater was built in 1931 in Billings, Montana, it was one of the last of the great art-deco Fox theaters built in the United States. It has undergone another transformation -- with more than $13 million behind the project.  This weekend, lovers of live performance celebrate the remodeling and the building's 80th birthday with a grand, gala "reopening." Headlining the show is Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth, with a street party following. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each week for a fresh spin on travel, nature, family, the arts and more: 

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