9/11 – NEVER FORGET: JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

It was a Tuesday morning, and it started pretty much like any other Tuesday morning.  I was in college, heading across campus heading for my 9:00 AM class.  As I passed the student center, a girl came running past me, saying something about an airplane that flew into a building in New York.  I went inside...and sat, transfixed as the horror unfolded before me.  My Nation was under attack.  Later that afternoon as I drove home…dumbstruck by what I had witnessed…and trying to prep myself for my 3-year old son’s birthday party that evening.  The contrast couldn’t have been more striking. Celebrating his young life, on a day of so much death.

September 11, 2001 started like a “normal” day for most people, little knowing that in the days, months, and years following, we would all be operating under a “New Normal”.  Walk with me as we examine the impact of that fateful day on a few of today’s SL Residents

Lanai Jerrico is the Owner and Editor in Chief of SL Enquirer

Josh Bellic (JB):  Tell me Lanai.  Do you recall what you were doing that fateful day?

Lanai:  Certainly I do, Josh. I remember I was getting my daughter ready for afternoon kindergarten. I was watching television when the breaking news came on that an airplane had slammed into the World Trade Center.  I then watched, horrified, as the second plane hit, covered on live TV. Then I saw the towers fall. It was awful. I immediately thought of my cousin who worked in Tower 2.  I later learned that he was off that day.

I next asked Miakoda Tala (sackawho) (MT) about that day.  Mia was employed by a privakevate business jet company in Little Rock, Arkansas.

JB:  So, Mia.  Do you remember where you were on 9/11/2001?  What were you doing?  And how did that affect you?

Mia:  Of course I do, Josh.  I was working at Dassault Falcon Jet, so since we are in the aircraft industry, watching the plane hit the tower was devastating.  We had a TV brought into our office and we couldn't keep our eyes off it all day and we just sat there and cried.  It was one of the saddest days in history and it changed the world.  Not knowing why it happened was one of the hardest things to deal with. Who would do such a thing, killing innocent people? That day started the War on Terror. Bin Laden became the subject of a decade-long international manhunt.  It was a commercial aircraft and we are business jets but in the long run, it did affect the aircraft industry.  It was a day I will never forget.

Finally, I chatted with Paul Woodrunner, the creator and curator of the September 11th Memorial in SecondLife.  

JB:  Hey there Paul.  Do you remember where you were at 8:46 AM EST when the first plane struck the North Tower of the WTC on 9-11-2001?

Paul:  I was getting ready for work in New Orleans, and I saw the news,  When I arrived at work someone put the tv on and there in front of us the second plane hit, and we knew at that point in time the world changed.  It was terrible. The ppl in the towers and the planes were all innocent. Many were trying to help. That is what Americans do.  That is what Humans do --- they help.  This is what we are on this earth to do - Help people. The world changed on 9/11 and forever we will remember. Many, many people who perished were heroes, including the passengers and crew of Flight 93 who I consider the first combatants in the War on Terror. They had the info and they had the time and like Americans, they took a Vote and took action. I say their phone calls home to loved ones and folks that just picked up the phone changed history.  Their voices rang out and have not stopped in 19 years and they forced us to wake up and see the world differently. These people stood up and fought. They are the First Patriots of the new America. Their actions changed the course of America and the World and their voices have been heard. We have cried for all the victims of 9/11 but for the passengers and crew of flight 93... It is time now to celebrate their actions and make a great joyous noise…In New Orleans, we would. On Nov 3rd everyone should remember their voices and do what they did:  VOTE.

So there you have it, Folks.  Be sure and check out the 9-11 Memorial.  Tonight, beginning at 6:00 PM SLT, catch the 9-11 Memorial show at the Bob Hope Theater.  And never forget.  Never Never forget! Speak of this day to your children, and to your children’s children.

Just Do it.  Aloha

JB

SURL:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Copperhead%20Road/53/95/1515

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9/11 – EIGHTEEN YEARS LATER: SL TRIBUTE TO RL SLAIN- JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

The September 11 attacks (also referred to as 9/11) were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda against the United States on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Between 8:46 am and 10:10 am, four airliners were crashed into North and South towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Shanksville, PA. The attacks killed 2,996 people, including citizens of 78 countries, injured over 6,000 others, and caused at least $10 billion in infrastructure and property damage. Additional people died of 9/11-related cancer and respiratory diseases in the months and years following the attacks.

 “Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11.” —former President Barack Obama

This catastrophic attack that occurred almost two decades ago is memorialized this anniversary in SecondLife. Paul Woodrunner built the 9/11 Memorial Plaza SL, modeled after the RL memorial plaza in New York City. He also owns the Bob Hope Theater and he directs the Outsiders Dance Troupe. Paul teamed up with Performing Choreographer Ally (allyson.solo) to present their Tribute performance on Wednesday, 11 September at 6:00 PM SLT

I recently had the privilege of chatting with both Paul and Ally, and we discussed their involvement in this Memorial and Tribute performance.

Josh (thomas1.bellic): Paul, please share with our readers what inspired you to build a memorial to the attack on 9/11?

Paul Woodrunner: Well it's sort of a long line of things that have been strung together for years. Going back to the Vietnam War. I grew up during that war and as a kid i remember all the torn up young men on TVv during the World News shows. I grew up thinking if this war continues i could be in it. I missed the war by two years but the visions of that war the memories stuck with me forever. After I joined SecondLife, I thought of USO shows as a way to give back to the vets the soldiers the people who gave their all to defend this country. Eventually, the owner of one of the groups I belonged to gave me a shot at having a show on Memorial Day. Over the last decade a long line of good people that have given me chances at the right time to help me get where I am today. I love my country and all the folks who have fought for its freedom. I’m a patriot and i will never forget all the people who helped me grow in second life with the Bob Hope Theater and The Outsiders. The 9-11 Memorial is a way to make sure others do not EVER FORGET

JB: What does this 9/11 Memorial mean to you?

PW: I love my country. I love the people here and when we were attacked out of the blue...well...all the folks in the planes in the buildings...everyone one who died...and yes, all the folks like the firemen and police They were doing what came natural to an American they ran to the fire and they were HELPING others. It means that everyone who died there that day and all the lives that were affected will never be forgotten. It was one of the worst days in America’s history and we saw some of the bravest acts in Americans’ history.

JB: You have some amazingly powerful statues in various locations around the plaza. When did you build the memorial, and have had much traffic?

PW: I had planed on an Outsider show for 9-11. I looked out at a quarter sim from Bob Hope Theater. I wanted to do something big and it brought to mind the 9-11 Memorial Fountain. The Memorial itself is brand new and only about a dozen people have actually seen it.

JB: Tell me about the Outsiders? Who are they and what do they do?

PW: The Outsiders is a dance troupe made up of several people I’ve worked with through the years. We mainly started as a group during a LEA Lindens Endowment for the Arts project. We do patriotic shows USO type shows to bring about awareness of those who have fought and or died to protect freedom around the world Mainly as a support to vets.

JB: And what about the Bob Hope Theater? How many can it seat?

PW: Bob Hope Theater is a 70-seat venue focusing on patriotic holidays and events. We have USO-type shows mainly and its a tribute in itself to Bob Hope who brought laughter to so many soldiers around the world in places like Vietnam.

JB: And now we turn to you and you, Ally. Tell me about how you became a SL choreographer.

Ally (allyson.solo): When I joined SL I became a model and I had a lot of success, but just posing for photos was kind of boring! I partnered a guy who was part of a dance troupe that was unique and fun, and I was totally taken with the idea of dancing. I was already a fan of tribute band shows too. I started going to shows and at one I ran into Paul Woodrunner, who was in a tribute band I followed. He told me about a dance troupe called the Elysium Dancers and their show. They were a new group, and when I started going to shows and I asked to be a dancer, they let me join! I didn't know much about putting together dances but I knew how to ask questions and I made a pest of myself!

JB: Can you describe your current project - "Phone Call from a Tower" – for us please?

AS: At 9/11 I've always thought of those who were lost, of course, but also about so many others whose lives were changed forever when they lost a loved one there. In this performance I put together actual audio from one of the helicopters above the scene, a reading of a poem by Tom Bedlam called "If Tomorrow Starts Without Me", and laid it over Enya's "May It Be". I want to show the anguish of a young wife whose life has just been shattered when her husband died in the towers.

JB: Why did you do this? What is it about this particular show that makes it different from the others you have done?

AS: My dad was a Navy pilot, and he died in an accident when I was four. I guess because of that I've always had a patriotic streak and tried to honor our military and especially those who gave their lives. I guess 9/11 felt like war to me, and so it fits naturally.

So there you have it folks. If you only attend one event this year, make it the 9/11 Memorial Tribute Show. The Memorial Performance is Wednesday 11-Sept-2019, starting at 6 PM SLT at the BOB HOPE THEATER at Copperhead Road. Ally asks that you please come early to enjoy the whole show. It’s not unusual for the place to be full 20 minutes before the curtain goes up, so be early for a great seat.

“Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children.” —former President George W. Bush

"When Americans lend a hand to one another, nothing is impossible. We’re not about what happened on 9/11. We’re about what happened on 9/12."—Jeff Parness, founder of New York Says Thank You

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Memorials to Visit In Observance of 9/11 – We will Not Forget

New York World Trade Center 9/11 (under construction)

Help support New York World Trade Center

The World Trade Center is a unique landmark in SL! The victims of 9/11 are not forgotten. Come visit in oservation of  a replica from the time before the terrorist attack.  All are welcome to come together at a meeting point for young and old to share stories, remember and pay honor and respect to the victims of 9/11.  Explore the city and see the Statue of Liberty up close and take lots of pictures.

We are currently under construction and your donations will help of keep the spirit alive of the brave men and women who lost their lives on this day in 2001.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Alpha/116/108/21

9/11 Memorial - Always Remember, Never Forget

The 9/11 Memorial is a tribute to The Victims and Heroes  of the World Trade Center, The Pentagon, NYC Fire, Police & Rescue, Flight 93, 11, 77 and 175.

Upon landing you will gaze out a large window overlooking the beauitful city of New York. Please sign the guestbook and offer a few words in observance of 9/11.  Touch the posters on the walls for full lists of victims.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tenerife/120/144/1344

Windows On The World - Romantic music, dancing, live singers

Windows on the World was a venue on the top floor of the World Trade Center. When destroyed in the attacks of 9/11, the staff was serving breakfast. All 72 staff members  perished. This venue pays tribute to these individuals and all the others who died.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Moonwind%20III/22/81/103

911 MEMORIAL- Stagg Island

This is the longest running 911 Memorial in Second Life. It is a place of peace  and rememberance!  Fazz (fazio.magic)’s friends  expressed they would like to have this memorial. He thought that was a great idea, apparently so did  7000 people! Visit this memorial, you will be glad you did.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/STAGG%20ISLAND/9/142/33

WE SHALL NEVER FORGET.

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Never Forget: Second Life Residents Honor the Victims and Commemorate the 15th Anniversary of 9/11 by Lilya Luv

9/11 Memorial - Always Remember, Never Forget

Today marks the 15th anniversary of  9/11 and Second Life’s residents are honoring and the victims throughout the grid. Memorial services and tributes of remembrance honoring the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center site, near Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon, as well as the six people killed in the World Trade Center bombing in February 1993 will happen today.

We speak with three organizers to find out why these memorial services mean to them and why it should be important to us: Bryston Vanvleck, founder of 9/11 Memorial - Always Remember, Never Forget; Ethan MacAlpin, owner of Highlands of Scotland; and Geena Zackerly-Magic of 911 Memorial on Stagg Island.

What is your motivation for creating this memorial?

Bryston: Back in 2008 I decided to hold a small memorial in my NYC Loft & Apartment store and was surprised by the number of visitors and the outpouring of emotions that day. Each year I added a few more items until finally I created a stand alone memorial. Today I am proud to be hosting this event for the 8th year. My hope is to make sure no one ever forgets the people who lost their lives on 9/11 and to always remember the heroes who displayed extraordinary acts of courage. It's why I named my 9/11 Memorial Always Remember, Never Forget.

Ethan: I originally created the memorial in 2011 for the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The town I helped manage had a town square and we thought it would be a nice thing to have to contribute our own [a virtual memorial] memorial to all those going on in the real world. The two towers, encircled by a pentagon seemed to be appropriate.

Geena: This memorial is the second rendition of Stagg Island's 911 Memorial. It was modernized to imitate the grounds in Manhattan. Fazio Magic, the creator wanted to make it look more like the footprints with the waterfalls that now sit where the buildings once stood.

Effigy at 9/11 Memorial - Always Remember, Never Forget

What can we expect tomorrow at your event tomorrow?

Bryston: Tears... lots of tears and stories from people who lost loved ones on 9/11. Others like to discuss what they were doing that day and how those horrible events affected them. I have many that come and just stare out the window at the Twin Towers, dreaming about what used to be. It's an emotional day for all of us.

Always Remember, Never Forget is an all day event with moment of silences being observed at the following EST times:

8:46 a.m. (5:46 am SLT): Flight 11 crashes into the North Tower (1 World Trade Center.)

9:03 a.m. (6:03 am SLT): Flight 175 crashes into the South Tower (2 World Trade Center)

9:37 a.m. (6:37 am SLT): Flight 77 crashes into the Pentagon, near Washington, D.C.

9:59 a.m. (6:59 am SLT): The South Tower (2 World Trade Center) collapses.

10:03 a.m. (7:03 am SLT): Flight 93 crashes into an empty field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

10:28 a.m. (7:28 am SLT): The North Tower (1 World Trade Center) collapses.

Ethan: We have weekly church services in the Highlands of Scotland with a different speaker each week. Since it was my Sunday and it fell on the anniversary of the event, I felt I should include a memorial part of the service. It will be a regular church service but during that time we will have a brief remembrance of those who perished and mark the 15th anniversary of the event.

The memorial service will start at 9:30 am SLT.

Geena: We will have at least 3 services today. The services are very moving with many parts. We will also have the military represented in uniform standing guard.

8:00 a.m. SLT

2:00 p.m. SLT

6:00 p.m. SLT

9/11 Memorial statue at Highlands of Scotland

What would be the main take away for your visitors?

Bryston: Remembrance and reflection. Never forgetting how that day changed the world forever.

Ethan: To remember those who lost their lives that day and to pray for a world where peace and love for our fellow human beings will triumph over war and hatred.

Geena: The 911 Memorial is dedicated to all Second life residents. I want them to know this will always be here for them to come visit and reflect. Many will come here tomorrow and talk amongst themselves about where they were that day. Many have come looking for their loved ones name on our wall.  It's a very emotionally moving day.

The 9/11 memorial on Stagg Island was created to be like a replica of the grounds in Manhanttan

What is the importance of this event to you?

Bryston: Always Remember, Never Forget is an extremely important event to me. I wanted to create a space where people could come and reflect upon the events of 9/11. Make them feel an array of emotions from sadness to anger. It is important to never forget the precious lives that were lost and the families that were torn apart forever, but also to recognize the evil that caused it and to always remain vigilant. Terrorism plagues the world of today and we must all come together to fight and destroy this evil.

Ethan: As a former firefighter, I, like many others, were deeply affected by the losses that day, especially from so many servants of the public who bravely ran toward the buildings when others ran from them. If my memorial monument and my words can honour them in any way I am very glad to play a small part in making sure they are not forgotten.

Geena: It is very moving and I strongly encourage all Second Life residents to come to one of the services. This memorial means everything to me and Faz. It was his vision and it will stand as long as we can leave it up.

You can visit each of the follow memorials tomorrow at the following locations:

• 9/11 Memorial - Always Remember, Never Forget
• Highlands of Scotland
• 911 Memorial on Stagg Island

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SPOTLIGHT FEATURE HEARTS HEAVEN BALLROOM- Lanai Jarrico Reporting…

Heart's Heaven Ballroom

For many, Second Life is an escape from the daily stressors of the real world and for others it is their opportunity to live as normal of a life as they possibly can due to medical conditions, and terminal illness.

People connect and interact from the inside out and most of the time leave their real life problems at the door, stepping into a virtual world with freedom to explore their greatest imaginations.

Heart’s Heaven Ballroom is a testament to the strength and courage of one woman who fought hard until the very end. Her Second Life was a way to find happiness and share it with others when her health prevented her from living life the way most of us take for granted.

Heartlite Jewel was a member of our Second Life community who spent her time creating a romantic ballroom where visitors can come dance and enjoy the atmosphere. When it was here time to depart this world, her wish was for Heart’s Heaven to continue on. Her dear friend Lynn Washborne continues her memory by carrying on Ms. Jewel’s dream.

 

Lynn Washborne

Interview with Lynn Washborne

Hi Lynn, I would like to give my condolences for the loss of your friend. Can you share with our readers who Heartlite Jewel was and how you met?

Lynn: Thank you. I met Heartlite in Heart in the 2008. She was introduced to me by a Friend. He told me she was someone that needed help with the sim. And threw my name to her. He sent me a Landmark and that was when I started as a General Manager for heart. To me Heartlite was a person that if she knew of someone that needed help she would be the one to help. Or if someone needed just someone to talk to she wanted to be the one to help.

When was Heart’s Heaven Established? Where you a part of its beginnings?

Lynn: I think heart's Heaven was Established in 2006 – 2007. I was not there to help her in the earlier days. I came later, as a General Manager.

What was Heartlite’s vision for Heart’s Heaven Ballroom when it was time for you to take over?

Lynn: To Keep Hearts Heaven open for people to come on down and enjoy and have a great time.

Having an illness is not easy, but Ms.Jewel still worked very hard on Heart’s Heaven Ballroom. Can you tell us about this venue and how you are keeping it going in her memory?

Lynn: I've kept the name of the ballroom. And we also put up an memorial so people can go up there and visit.

Heartlite Jewel Memorial

Have you made any changes to the original venue?

Lynn: Yes, We did change the music. We are allowing more kinds of music, from Jazz, rock, soft rock, pop. Soon we are going to start having contests. We also changed up the venue, but it's still open didn’t want to put walls up I liked the open look on the water

Ballroom

What type of events do you host?

Lynn: I don’t host. RL gets the best of me. But there are times I do try to DJ, but i don’t have set times.

Are you currently hiring?

Lynn: yes! We are Hiring. We are looking for Host's and Dj's

In keeping Heartlite Jewel’s memory alive, can you tell us what your hopes are and how people can help keep this venue going strong?

Lynn: well we would like to see more people coming to the ballroom, that was Hearts big thing always trying to get people into the ballroom. It will always be free to everyone to come hang out, dance and meet new people. We are open to any suggestions to as what you (Readers) would like to see in a venue.

Additional Information

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/284910944919668/

Heart’s Heaven Ballroom

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Moonshadow%20Rising/229/225/797

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