The stars recently created and temporarily hanging on trees outside of Minisink Valley Middle School will have the honor of being displayed at the new 9/11 Memorial Glade, located in the 9/11 Memorial Plaza at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in Manhattan, when it’s officially dedicated on May 30.
These stars, created by a group of middle school students, are part of a growing “pay it forward” service movement called “Stars of HOPE,” which seek to bring hope and healing to anyone who needs it. Their stars will be part of dedication day efforts planned by 9/11 Memorial Glade officials.
Students were challenged to think of words, expressions or designs that can lift the spirits of the people who will be the recipients of these messaged stars. The Stars of HOPE organization believes the stars will remind them that people care about them and what’s happened to them.
In 2007, Stars of HOPE was launched by two families who wanted to give thanks to those who helped them during a time of great need in their lives. Each created star is intended to reinforce the importance of giving, empathy and the power of words and designs while expressing compassion.
9/11 Memorial Glade honors the men and women involved in the 9/11 rescue and recovery effort
The Glade will consist of a pathway, flanked by six stone monoliths pointed skyward that are worn, but not beaten, symbolizing strength and determination through adversity. An inscription, developed in partnership with stakeholders such as 9/11 health advocates, family members and survivors, will also be included.
Each monolith weighs between 13 and 17.8 tons. Their design will incorporate steel from the original World Trade Center inspired by a Japanese art technique called kintsugi.
The Glade’s physical location marks the historical placement of the main ramp which provided access to bedrock during the recovery period. In the history of the World Trade Center, the ramp played an essential role allowing victims’ families to access the site following the attacks as well as workers who removed debris and established a pathway for rebuilding.
An inscription, developed in consultation with stakeholders to complement the physical design, will be unveiled at the May 30 dedication.
“The Glade will also recognize the tremendous sacrifice and courage demonstrated during the recovery efforts at all three attack sites,” said Middle School PTO Chairperson Christine Cesarz. “I was invited to attend the dedication ceremony to present our stars. I am so honored to present our stars from the middle school. I have tears in my eyes writing to you.”
Construction on the 9/11 Memorial Glade began in fall 2018 to create a pathway to honor the ongoing sacrifice of rescue, recovery and relief workers, and the survivors and members of the broader lower Manhattan community, who are sick or have died from exposure to toxins in the aftermath of 9/11. The Glade will also recognize the courage, selflessness and perseverance of the men and women of the rescue and recovery effort, according to its website.
The Glade’s physical location marks the historical placement of the main ramp which provided access to bedrock during the recovery period. In the history of the World Trade Center, the ramp played an essential role allowing victims’ families to access the site following the attacks as well as workers who removed debris and established a pathway for rebuilding.
‘This recognition represents the kind of school we are …’
“For our students — and the Minisink Valley School District — to be part of a national effort to recognize the courage, selflessness and perseverance of the men and women of the 9/11 rescue and recovery effort is simply amazing,” said Principal Michael Larsen. “This recognition represents the kind of school we are, the kind of district this is, and the kind of people who live in our communities.”
The Glade will open to the public immediately following the dedication ceremony.
To learn more, visit: https://www.911memorial.org/memorial-glade and visit: www.starsofHOPEUSA.org