Remembering 9-11: Windows on the World

After watching several specials reflecting upon the September 11th attacks, in addition to hearing all the family members of the victims expressing such sadness, I thought it was only appropriate to recognize the pain and healing of our American people.  My deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of all the victims. I am reminded every year at this time to be thankful for every day that we have together. 

It is interesting to note the number of lives that the 9-11 attacks touched.  People from all around the world were effected.  One of the most stunning realizations one can have is how each victim had a family, a life, and a story...  Below is one such story that I learned through my wine education over these past 10 years.

I myself had never been to the World Trade Center.  I remember staring at in the few times I traveled to New York City.  But it was 5 years after the World Trade Center had been attacked that I found out there had been a wine cellar and restaurant in the North Tower.  I learned this with the mandatory reading in one of my graduate classes, Windows on the World by Kevin Zraly.

Kevin Zraly's Windows on the World: Complete Wine Course book

(Photo from Google Images)

Windows on the World Restaurant Logo

(Photo from Wikipedia)

The introduction to the book explained what had been the Windows on the World restaurant in addition to a tribute to those that lost their lives on September 11, 2001.  Windows on the World was located on 106th and 107th floors of the North Tower.  At the time of the attacks, Windows on the World was serving breakfast, and all employees were present during the first plane crash.  All people in the restaurant survived the initial crash by Flight 11, but all eventually died due to smoke inhalation, jumping from the building after the attack, or during the building's final collapse.  The acting manager at the time was one of the individuals who's initial calls were recorded to authorities and was the last communication the restaurant had with the outside world.  There were 72 restaurant employees,  16 Risk Water employees, and 76 guests that lost their lives on September 11, 2001 due to the terrorist attacks.  It has been speculated that one of the famous photographs of that day, "The Falling Man," which to me is one of the most painful photos to have seen, was one of the restaurant's employees.

Windows on the World Restaurant 

(Photos from Google Images)

Since the time of the attacks, previous employees of Windows on the World that survived the September 11th attacks opened COLORS in Manhatten. The restaurant serves as a tribute to those that lost their lives on that day.  The menu reflects "culinary traditions from 22 countries" where all of the former's restaurants employees came from.  

COLORS Restaurant

(Photos from Google Images)

Remember to cherish each day.  Love each of those individuals that have touched your lives.  And never forget the victims of 9-11...

In Remembrance and Recognition of Those That Lost Their Lives

and of Those That Fight For Ours

(Photos from Google Images)