NYC Views: Top of the Freedom Tower

Twin Tower Memorial Pools

As you all know, 14 years and a month ago the Twin Towers were suddenly struck as a part of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on America.  The tragic event affected many people throughout the country and world.  As an honor to all those who lost their lives, the 9/11 museum was set up on the grounds of the original Twin Towers, and One World Trade Center (more commonly known as the Freedom Tower) was constructed as a symbol for looking to the future and not letting an attack keep our morale low; we rise with the challenges put upon us. 

Being in New York City, Fordham loves when students venture into other parts of the city to learn about our history and culture.  This past weekend I was able to do just that.  With a club I am apart of, ACT, we all went to the observatory level of the Freedom Tower. One of ACT’s missions is to organize programs and trips that add to student life on and around campus during their tenure at Fordham. 

Sunset looking west onto New Jersey

We had an appointment to take the elevators up to the 102 floor at 6:15pm – in other words, the critical sunset opportunity.  The view from the top was breathtaking, especially when the sky turned the picture perfect orange-red we all love.  One aspect of the Freedom Tower that I found interesting was they didn’t mention the 9/11 attacks.  The idea behind One World Trade Center was a way for New Yorkers, Americans, and visitors to look to the future and rise from the low points in our history.  Even the architecture embodies this mantra.  The façade is made up of large interconnecting triangles that stretch from the base to the top.  When looking at the top from the street level, the triangles give the perception that the Freedom Tower continues to an infinite height. 

Looking north onto the rest of Manhattan

On our way down from the Freedom Tower experience, we were all in awe of the view and history.  Memorials did not line the top level, but we saw the same view that many of those who lost their lives gazed upon everyday. Excursions like this are one of the many reasons I love Fordham’s philosophy for student life; they want us to experience the entire city, which includes the history, arts, and culture.