Remembering Sept 11

 

 It was 24 years ago today that the deadliest terrorist attack on the United States, the September 11 attacks, took place. Carried out by members of the Islamofascist group Al Quedia, they would hijack four airliners, crashing one into the Pentagon in Arlington Virginia, and two into the World Trade Center in New York. A fourth airliner heading to Washington DC crashed after it's passengers found out what was going on and rebelled. Almost three thousand were killed, and a shocked America found itself at war with a shadowy enemy. 

 

Second Life would come about a few years later, and over time, there have been numerous memorials to the fallen. Some were large and detailed, such as the one by Alliez Mysterio, the Stairclimb Tribute, and the Stagg Island memorial. Sadly these grand tributes are gone. But there are still some memorials left in this virtual world.

 

 

One is the Gold Haven Memorial, "A Tribute to The Victims & Heroes Who Lost Their Lives on September 11, 2001" 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Gold%20Haven/247/48/1343

 

High above Copperhead Road is the Flight 93 Memorial, a tribute to the hijacked airplane whose passengers fought back, and crashed near Shanksville Pennsylvania.  

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Copperhead%20Road/83/9/1995 . 

 

At Miramare, there was this unnamed memorial, lights representing the Twin Towers beaming into the sky.

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Miramare/33/34/25

 

 While, not 9/11 specific, there is the Memorial to Victims of Terrorism Throughout The World, located in Iris. 

 

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Iris/198/200/21

 

Commentary:

 

As those who remember the attacks know, within weeks America would respond to the evildoers who brought death to our country, liberating Afghanistan from the Taliban which provided a safe haven for the terrorists. The mastermind Bin Laden slipped away, but would be tracked down and killed several years later. 

 

Today, a generation later, America has changed. Politics has become more sharply divisive than at any other time in living memory, and the country has become "A house divided" with politicians and people alike looking at the opposing faction with fear and hate, blaming them for their troubles and accusing them of destroying the USA. While we may worry and panic at news headlines, we can also take a moment to remind ourselves that when confronted, we can all be a nation united against a common enemy, and take a moment to remember the fallen. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

September 11 Memorials

 

 

 It was twenty-three years ago that the September 11 terrorist attacks took place. Nineteen hijackers from the Islamofacist group Al Qaeda, led by Osama Bin-Laden, would take over four airliners, and use them for suicide attacks, crashing them into both towers of New York City's World Trade Center, and the Pentagon in Arlington Virginia. One airliner, thought to be headed to Washington DC's Capitol, crashed to the ground near Shanksville Pennsylvania after the passengers heard what was going on through cell phones and began overpowering the hijackers. Almost 3000 were murdered, making this the deadliest terrorist attack in American history, and in the years afterward many more would pass away due to illnesses related to the dust from the collapse of the Twin Towers and the cleanup afterward. It would also launch the "War on Terror," as well as bring about changes in the lives of Americans that continue to this day. 

Over time, there have been a number of memorials to the fallen in Second Life. One of the largest was the memorial set up in 2009 by Alliez Mysterio. A decade ago, Cindy Bolero would set up a Stairclimb Tribute to the firefighters who braved the doomed World Trade Center before it's collapse. At Stag Island was a detailed memorial done by Fazio Magic. After his passing, it would be at Yellow River for a few years.

Sadly, those memorials are now gone, with only pictures, films, and memorials remaining. But there are still some inworld. For several years, there's been one high above Gold Haven. Made by Bryston Vanvleck, it's official name is "A Tribute to The Victims & Heroes Who Lost Their Lives on September 11, 2001," It is located at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Gold%20Haven/247/48/1343 .

 

Most of the 9/11 memorials are focused around the World Trade Center. But high above Copperhead Road is one to the passengers who foiled the terrorists on the fourth airliner, the virtual Flight 93 Memorial. It was created by Paul Woodrunner, and can be found at https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Copperhead%20Road/83/9/1995 .

On the Mainland, there is this unnamed Twin Towers Memorial. It is located at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Miramare/33/34/25 . 

Also on the Mainland is the Memorial to Victims of Terrorism Throughout The World. While it's about numerous acts of terror, the 9/11 attacks are mentioned here. Made by Prokofy Neva, the memorial is at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Iris/198/200/21 .

 

A generation later, much has changed. In real-life news, headlines are about an election of which numbers of voters fear the victory of the candidate they're voting against will result in the end of America as a democratic republic. But maybe, we can take a moment and not only remember the fallen, but how unified as a country we were. It didn't matter if one was a Democrat or Republican, red state or blue state. Our country had been attacked like it hadn't been since Pearl Harbor, and we were united in striking back against those who dared murder our people. 

Twenty-three years later, we still remember.

Bixyl Shuftan

September 11 - "A Fireman's Prayer"

 

When I am called to duty,
whenever the flames may race,
give me strength to save some
life whatever be their age.
Help me embrace a little child
before it is too late,
or save an old person from
the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert,
and hear the weakest shout.
And quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
and give the best in me.
To guard my every neighbor,
protect his property.
And if according to my fate
I am to lose my life,
please bless with your protecting hand
my children and my wife.

9/11/01 - We will never forget

Poem by Firefighter A.W. “Smokey” Linn

Smoke Texan, Part Owner of 9/11 Memorial, Has Died

 

 It was announced in the Echovets group in Second Life that Smoke Texan had recently passed away.

 

We lost a brother.... Many of you know that Smoke Texan passed away last week on May 2nd. Smoke served in the U.S. Marine Corps with honor. He was also a 9/11 rescue worker. His longtime partner Foxxy (Checkers.firelight) has started working on a memorial service in memory of, and in honor of his life.

Smoke Texan was among the people who was helping to keep the Stagg Island 9/11 Memorial up after it's owner passed away. He also made a 9/11 memorial track in 2019. In group chatter, it was also mentioned he was a DJ at some clubs. Echovets leader Stacy Lee (Stacy Maracas) would say, "He and Foxxy were apart of us when we first started.  He was a good dude, and a good brother.  They will be keeping his 9/11 honor sim up and running in his memory." 

There will be a memorial service for him soon.

Bixyl Shuftan

September 11 Memorials

 

 

 Today marks the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, in which four airliners were hijacked by Islamofacists intent on suicide missions. Two would crash into the World Trade Center in New York City, sending the Twin Towers crashing down after the fires weakened the steel supports. One slammed into the Pentagon in Arlington Virginia. The fourth plane ended up crashing in Shanksville Pennsylvania when the passengers found out what was going on through their cell phones and tried to take control of the plane back. Almost 3000 were killed as a result of the attacks, the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil in it's history. 

Over time, there have been a number of memorials to the fallen here in Second Life. In 2009, Alliez Mysterio had a well-designed memorial people could leave flowers and other momentos at. The Stairclimb Tribute to the firefighters by Cindy Bolero at Aero Pines was another. Fazio Magic made a detailed memorial at Stagg Island, which was there until his passing and was moved to Yellow River for a few years. Sadly, these memorials are gone, but there are others up today.

from Gemma Cleanslate

One memorial that's been around for several years is the one in the Gold Haven sim. Called "A Tribute to The Victims & Heroes Who Lost Their Lives on September 11, 2001," it was made by Bryston Vanvleck. It is located at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Gold%20Haven/247/48/1343 .

 

 

 High over Copperfield Road is the Flight 93 Memorial, the virtual version of the real-life one. Set up by Paul Woodrunner, it can be found at https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Copperhead%20Road/83/9/1995.

On the Mainland, there is this unnamed Twin Towers Memorial. It is located at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Miramare/33/34/25 . 

Also on the Mainland is the Memorial to Victims of Terrorism Throughout The World. By Prokofy Neva, while this memorial isn't specific to September 11, the attacks are mentioned here. The location is at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Iris/198/200/21 .

Twenty-two years later, we still remember.

Bixyl Shuftan

 

September 11 - "A Fireman's Prayer"

 

 

 When I am called to duty,
whenever the flames may race,
give me strength to save some
life whatever be their age.
Help me embrace a little child
before it is too late,
or save an old person from
the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert,
and hear the weakest shout.
And quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
and give the best in me.
To guard my every neighbor,
protect his property.
And if according to my fate
I am to lose my life,
please bless with your protecting hand
my children and my wife.

9/11/01 - We will never forget

Poem by Firefighter A.W. “Smokey” Linn

September 11 - "A Fireman's Prayer"

 

 

 When I am called to duty,
whenever the flames may race,
give me strength to save some
life whatever be their age.
Help me embrace a little child
before it is too late,
or save an old person from
the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert,
and hear the weakest shout.
And quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
and give the best in me.
To guard my every neighbor,
protect his property.
And if according to my fate
I am to lose my life,
please bless with your protecting hand
my children and my wife.

9/11/01 - We will never forget

Poem by Firefighter A.W. “Smokey” Linn

9/11 Memorials in Second Life

 

It's been twenty years since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 that brought down the World Trade Center in New York City, and damaged the Pentagon in Arlington Virginia, resulting in the mass-murder of almost 3000 people. Since then, those who were children at the time of the attacks have grown up, and now there are adults whom hadn't been born yet. But people still remember, both the shock and the devastation, but also how Americans came together. And here in Second Life, there have been various memorials over the years. While some notable ones in the past are no longer around, there are still a number inworld.

 

 One 9/11 memorial that's been around for several years is the "Always Remember" one, which has slide shows of pictures and descriptions. This year, it's in Gold Haven.

You are now at 9/11 Memorial - Always Remember, Never Forget , Gold Haven (246, 47, 1344) Welcome to the 9/11 Memorial - Always Remember, Never Forget. A Tribute to The Victims and Heroes of September 11th, 2001.

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Gold%20Haven/245/48/1343

 

Above the Copperhead Road sim is a replica of the memorial to the passengers in the one plane that fought back against the hijackers: Flight 93, which would crash near Shanksville Pennsylvania. The main part is the "Tower of Voices," which was made in 2020. More recently, the memorial has been expanded in size to include the "Wall of Names."

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Copperhead%20Road/83/9/1995

 In Dornoch is the "9/11 20th Anniversary Memorial."

Since 2011, the 9/11 Memorial has been placed in various locations around the Second Life world to commemorate the events of September 11, 2001. This year the memorial is placed in the region of Dornoch, Scotland. All are welcome to visit and reflect. 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dornoch/54/188/23

In the Iris sim is the "Memorial to the Victims of Terrorism." 

I am  El Paso,  I am Kabul, I am Christchurch, I am London, Je suis Paris, je suis Bruxelles, Türkiye'nin duyuyorum, أنا بغداد. Stop terrorism! Pray for victims in Sri Lanka,New Zealand, Afghanistan, Pakistan, US, Syria, all over!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Iris/197/199/21

The Victims of Terrorism memorial would have a TP to another memorial, one not to those who died from terrorism, but those who passed away from the Coronavirus Pandemic that still claims many lives every day.

Pray for your loved ones who are ill with coronavirus. Put out a free sign and candle. Pray for health care workers. Place a memorial for those who have died of this pandemic. Places of meditation and healing nearby. May God have mercy on our souls!

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Atis/113/45/2810

Twenty years later, we still remember.

Bixyl Shuftan
 

September 11 - "A Fireman's Prayer"

 

When I am called to duty,
whenever the flames my rage,
give me strength to save some
life whatever be their age.
Help me embrace a little child
before it is too late,
or save an old person from
the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert,
and hear the weakest shout.
And quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
and give the best in me.
To guard my every neighbor,
protect his property.
And if according to my fate
I am to lose my life,
please bless with your protecting hand
my children and my wife.

9/11/01 - We will never forget

Poem by Firefighter A.W. “Smokey” Linn
 

The Flight 93 Memorial Show, And Other September 11 Events

The events of September 11 2001 were about a generation ago, but the images people saw and the lives lost have not been forgotten. In Second Life, there were memorials to those lost, as well as various events in their honor. The Newser was at a few, notably the light show at the Flight 93 Memorial.

See the pictures in Events.

A Busy Weekend

Quite a bit happened in Second Life this weekend. Among the events were some 9/11 tributes, including at the Bob Hope Theater and the Flight 93 Memorial (above), the "Smash Party" organized by Titmouse Studio (below), a tribute to Artistic Fimicloud at Club Cutlass, and more.

More on one or more of these events later, time permitting.

September 11 Memorials in Second Life

It's been nineteen years since the deadliest terrorist attack on the US on September 11, 2001. Nineteen hijackers from an Islamofacist terrorist group would seize control of four passenger jet liners to use in suicide missions. Two would be used to hit the New York City World Trade Center towers, the resulting fires soon causing them to collapse. A third would be use to hit and severely damage the Pentagon in Arlington Virginia. The terrorists on the fourth airline were stopped when the passengers tried to take control, and the plane would crash near the small town of Shanksville Pennsylvania. Nearly three thousand Americans and other nationalities were murdered, and the country would never be the same again.

Over the years, there have been a number of memorials to the fallen of that day, probably the most notable in the past being that of Alliez Mysterio over a decade ago, and the Stairclimb Tribute in the Aero Pines sim several years ago. This year, probably the most well-designed is Fazio Stagg's 911 Memorial in the Yellow River sim, formerly the Stagg Island memorial. On white marble panels on either side of the site are carved the names of the fallen. On another side are flags representing a nation that lost at least one person in the attack. In the center of the memorial are two square-shaped holes in the ground with waterfalls, with two beams of light heading up. In the past, the memorial would have tribute events each Sept 11. This year however, it was announced, "We are not having any services this year due to scheduling. ... This is the last year this memorial will be available on Second Life." So it appears unless there's a change in plans, the Stagg Memorial will soon be gone.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Yellow%20River/64/155/41

Another memorial is high above the Tenerife sim. Around a central area with seats are pictures of scenes of the attack and the aftermath, as well as memorial pictures and builds.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tenerife/118/144/1343

One of the newer memorials is the Flight 93 9/11 Memorial. Made by Paul Woodrunner, it's a 93 foot high tower with 40 wind chimes. Elsewhere in the sim at the Bob Hope Theater at Copperhead Road (64/124/1528), there will be a tribute event at 6PM SL time. On Saturday Sept 12 at the memorial itself will be a live performance by JustinElias Anatara at 4PM SL time, followed by a light show at 5PM.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Copperhead%20Road/83/9/1995

While not exclusive to 9/11, worthy of mention is the "Memorial to Victims of Terrorism Throughout the World."

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Iris/197/199/21

 At the Victims of World Terrorism memorial was a teleport to a small memorial to that of another crisis, the Pandemic affecting the world today that has taken over 910,000 lives around the world, almost 200,000 of them from the United stated.

 Pray for your loved ones who are ill with coronavirus. Put out a free sign and candle. Pray for health care workers. Place a memorial for those who have died of this pandemic. Places of meditation and healing nearby. May God have mercy on our souls!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Atis/113/45/2810

The fallen from nineteen years ago, as well as those from today's crisis, are remembered.

Bixyl Shuftan

September 11 - "A Fireman's Prayer"

When I am called to duty,
whenever the flames my rage,
give me strength to save some
life whatever be their age.
Help me embrace a little child
before it is too late,
or save an old person from
the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert,
and hear the weakest shout.
And quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
and give the best in me.
To guard my every neighbor,
protect his property.
And if according to my fate
I am to lose my life,
please bless with your protecting hand
my children and my wife.

9/11/01 - We will never forget

Poem by Firefighter A.W. “Smokey” Linn

September 11 Memorials in Second Life

Today marks the 18th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the United States. On this day in 2001, nineteen members of the Islamofacist terrorist organization Al Qaeda hijacked four passenger jets, sending two into the World Trade Center in New York City, and one into the Pentagon in Arlington Virginia. The attack on New York was the most destructive, with both towers of the World Trace Center hit by two of the airliners, and collapsing soon afterwards. Although badly damaged by the explosion from the third airliner, the Pentagon remained functional. The fourth airliner was probably intended for the Capitol building in Washington DC, but the passengers rose up against the hijackers, and the plane crashed near Shanksville Pennsylvania. Almost three thousand died in the attacks, most in the attack on New York. This would be the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil, and would set in motion the "War on Terror" that continues to this day.

Over the years, there have been a number of memorials to those who fell on 9/11.  Alliez Mysterio had a well-designed one about a decade ago. Others at the time included the Twin Towers memorial on New York City Block. Another was the Stairclimb Tribute to the firefighters whom died at the World Trade Center. Although these and others are gone, there are some still around, including some large ones.

Probably the best memorial to the fallen of September 11 is the one in the Yellow River sim. Originally located in Stagg Island, last year it was moved. The names of each of those whom were killed that day are carved on white marble. The towers are represented by two square waterfalls with beams of light heading straight up. Small flags representing every nation whom lost someone to the attacks are on one side of the grounds.  The memorial was made by Fazio Magic.

There will be two ceremonies today at the Yellow River Memorial. They  will be at 3PM and 6PM SL time.

This week marks the anniversary of 9/11.    Please join us to remember the events of that day in a 50 minute service written by the memorial's creator, Fazio Magic. This memorial was built to pay homage to the souls we lost that day as a country.

We also need ANY Service Men and Woman that would like to be part of the Service in Uniform

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Yellow%20River/64/155/41

Another memorial is high above the ground in a skybox, in Tenerife. Around a central sitting area, there are pictures of scenes of September 11, and a small monument. Window views show scenes of New York City, including the World Trade Center. The region description calls it, "A Tribute to The Victims and Heroes of September 11th, 2001. 911 Memorial, 9-11 Memorial, World Trade Center, The Pentagon, NYC Fire, Police & Rescue, Flight 93, 11, 77, 175, WTC, NYPD." The place was made by Bryston Vanvleck.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tenerife/118/144/1343

This year, there's a new memorial, the "9/11 Memorial Track and Museum." Part monument and part racetrack, at various points on the track, there are images of the event and names of those who met their end that day. The build was made Smoke Texan.

This track was meant to be cruised as you see the events unfolding. We pay tribute to the First Responders, The 9.11 Museum for the Firefighters and Police officers. the 9.11 Memorial, and Veteran's Memorial Cemetery.. TP's and Bikes are available.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Marvelis/129/169/397

While not exclusive to 9/11, worthy of mention is the "Memorial to Victims of Terrorism Throughout the World." The display was made by Jessica Ornitz and Prokofy Neva.

I am  El Paso,  I am Kabul, I am Christchurch, I am London, Je suis Paris, je suis Bruxelles, Türkiye'nin duyuyorum, ??? ?????. Stop terrorism! Pray for victims in Sri Lanka,New Zealand, Afghanistan, Pakistan, US, Syria, all over!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Iris/197/199/21

Eighteen years later, the fallen are still remembered.

Addition: The Second Life Enquirer wrote about one memorial event. There will be a USO show at the Bob Hope Theater above the Copperhead Road sim. The show will be at 6PM SL time.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Copperhead%20Road/64/97/1515

Bixyl Shuftan

September 11 - "A Fireman's Prayer"

When I am called to duty,
whenever the flames my rage,
give me strength to save some
life whatever be their age.
Help me embrace a little child
before it is too late,
or save an old person from
the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert,
and hear the weakest shout.
And quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
and give the best in me.
To guard my every neighbor,
protect his property.
And if according to my fate
I am to lose my life,
please bless with your protecting hand
my children and my wife.

9/11/01 - We will never forget

Poem by Firefighter A.W. “Smokey” Linn

Sept. 11 Memorial Ceremony at Yellow River Memorial

It was 17 years ago last week that America suffered it's most devastating terrorist attack. Second Life has a number of memorials to honor those who died. But none of the others is as large as the one as the Sept. 11 Yellow River Memorial, formerly the Stagg Island Memorial. Last week on Tuesday September 11, the memorial held it's first 9/11 anniversary events since it's relocation. Deaflegacy was there, and would write about the emotionally moving ceremony held in honor of those whom had their lives cut short that day.

Read Deaflegacy's article in Events.

Stagg Island 9/11 Memorial Has Moved

 Yesterday, the Newser reported that Stagg Island sim had vanished, along with it's memorial to the fallen of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. It turned out that the memorial is still around. It had been moved to the Yellow River sim.

Talking to Smoke Texan, one of the people there, he explained, "Well the creator, Faz (Fazio Magic) passed away in December, So Geena (Geena Zackerly) his partner moved it here 'cause it was cheaper. So a few of us are having auctions and such to help her pay her tiers to keep it open." The auctions will be starting on the "13th and go to the 20th." Smoke did say they could use a few more items donated to be auctioned off, "We've gotten bikes and log cabins and riding tracks so far. Geena really tries to do it herself, but I know she needs the help."

In both text and voice, Smoke and his friend Phoenix Nightfire explained there are future plans for the memorial, depending on how much is raised. It is likely the memorial will be placed at the top of a motorcycle track. But the important thing is keeping it online as a lasting memorial to the fallen of the largest terrorist attack on American soil.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Yellow%20River/64/157/41

Bixyl Shuftan

Editor's Note: Gemma Cleanslate and Deaflegacy were the ones who found out the place was still around.