IN MEMORIAM

Last year, with a community buffeted by Katrina and preoccupied raising funds to help its victims, there were no in-world memorials to the victims of 9/11 (as there were in 2004) nor reflections on what was lost that day, and why.  This year, however, there's at least three events planned.  Details after the break.

Update, 9/11:  Bumped up to the day, added several other 9/11 memorials pointed out by Rik Riel.

All events held on September 11, 2006, Second Life Time (i.e. Pacific)

Coping with Grief and Loss

Posted event at 9:30am.

A licensed psychologist hosts a group discussion on coping "[i]n rememberance of the 5 year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington DC."

September 11 Memorial at Darkwood Cathedral

Posted events at 12:00PM-3:00PM, 3:00PM-6:00PM, and 6:00PM-9:00PM.

Hosted by Rhiannon Chatnoir:  "Light a candle in memorial of tragedy that happened on this day and all those that were touched by it. Candles can be customized with your sentiments and are left burning in the church as long as possible."

Burning Life Prayer Candle Lighting

Posted events at 1:00PM-4:00PM and 4:00PM-7:00PM.

Frend Projects hosts:  "Come down to my Burning Life exhibit and light a prayer/rememberance candle in honor of everyone that took or is still taking part since the wake of September 11,2001."

The SL Sept. 11th Memorial Grand Opening in Shakers Stoop

Posted events at 10:00AM - 1:00PM and 4:00PM - 7:00PM.

Host and site creator Shikima Riel:  "This is the official grand opening and dedication of the SL September 11th Memorial. Come and spend a few moments of your day to observe the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Spend time in the gallery or by the fountain and pay your respect to those who lost their lives on that dark day in history."

Second Life Library - September 11: Libraries Remember

Posted event at 6:00PM - 7:00PM.

The Info Island library presents a commemoration display and a conversation of that dark day. 

"Why do they hate us?"

Posted event at 7:00PM-7:45pm.

The author of an essay on Sayyid Qutb, the intellectual forefather of Al Qaeda, presents "[a]n intelligent examination of Qutbism, Islamicism, fundamentalism (Christian and Islam), racism, and the history of the Middle East and Central Asia..."

Comments

[rikomatic]

There are also virtual candle lightings at Darkwood Cathedral and Burning Life all through today.

[Thor Eldrich]

Howdy folks,

In honor of the anniversary I'm offering free US flags to anyone that wants one at my park at Gramela (225, 195, 27). No strings, no commercial plug intended, I just want to offer something to the community for folks to show their pride during this day of remembrance.

There's a memorial at the park. Right-click the flag on the monument and purchase for zero dollars to obtain one.

-- Thor

[Bryan Campen]

Just listening to Keith Olbermann and noticed a comment: he said, in reference to the Trade Center site (alas, where in 1991 I learned to make coffee my first year of college), that it was "sixteen empty acres." which made me think, "well isn't that the size of one sim?!" Hmmm.

[Campen]

http://movies.crooksandliars.com/CountDown-SpecialComment-Bush-911.mov

[rikomatic]

Zipping around SL late last night, after visiting the actual Ground Zero three blocks from my house, I was impressed with how many other commemorative sites had blossomed all over SL during the day.

Even at midnight, I saw a site owner still working on his memorial, trying to get the look just right. I found residents were huddled in small groups in Darkwood Cathedral, at Shikima's memorial, and the Burning Life WTC site like little candles of humanity on a dark dark day.

I'd be curious to find out how many candles and flowers were placed and how many visitors were logged at the various sites, just to get a collective sense of how SL is becoming a space for people from around the world to gather during important historical events. I'll do some checking around and report back anything interesting on my blog.