re: #569 lawhawk

Look, I’m no fan of the Museum and Foundation operations because they should have been turned over to the NPS for administration to make sure that access is free.

Instead, you’ve got a memorial foundation that needs fundraisers and ways to thank those who have donated to get it open. That’s going to include parties like this. That’s the reality of running a museum on the WTC site.

But if you think this was the only party or that there wont be parties elsewhere on the grounds of the WTC, you’d be mistaken.

What do you think will happen as the occupants start taking up residence in 1 and 4WTC? Conde Naste will have parties for their clients in and among the opulent offices they’ve got planned. So too will the businesses in 4WTC. Heck, 4WTC has been leased out for various social events already - there’s a rooftop deck that has been used for commercials and parties.

The whole of Ground Zero is a memorial and reminder of the 9/11 attacks. Rebuilding necessarily entailed building and bringing life back into the site.

The Memorial as I’ve noted is particularly moving for those that wish to see it in that way. It may end up being something different to other people years from now. The Museum is meant to make sure that the spirit of what happened on 9/11 and the memories of what happened will live on - and that means raising money to keep it going (in the absence of government at some level footing the tab).

I have no problem with them throwing parties and I can see why there is outrage over this party. I understand the need to raise all the money they can get. The problem with this party is they had had it with unidentified remains stored right below them. This doesn’t look good at all in the eyes of victims families.