Our visit to ground zero!

A new ambulance........Lots of bucks

A trip to New York to pick up the ambulance..........more bucks

A Visit to Ground Zero.........Priceless!!!!!

And so the trip began.  The four of us, Jeff Fiedler, Peggy Beuthin, Craig Kadinger and his wife Marcia,  started off early on Friday morning.  Security was tight at Mitchell Field.  Everyone was searched....some more than others.  After a plane change and more searching in Chicago, we arrived in Newark by early afternoon. Our plane flew close to the Statue of Liberty.  She didn't look as big as we had imagined she would.  We were met at the airport by our host, Paul Vickery.  Paul is the owner of Vickery & Company the firm where we purchased the ambulance .  Paul is a very gracious individual.  He and his son, Ian, chauffeured us around Newark, pointing out various sites and escorting us to our hotel.  

Once at the hotel we had just enough time to freshen up and gaze at the site outside our window.  Across and connected to the hotel was Newark Penn Station.  We picked this hotel because of the access to the train station.  We decided we did not want to drive in New York, a wise move on our part.

Paul and his lovely wife, Donna arrived a short time later and we all walked to a wonderful Portuguese restaurant.  The service was divine and the food was even better.  Some of the more adventurous of us ordered the specialties. This turned out to be my first experience with a baby squid.  A culinary delight I would encourage everyone to try. After consuming massive amounts of foods, we waddled back to the hotel       

                                            .  

Paul once again became tour guide and took us sightseeing by moonlight.  We were able to view the lights of Newark, caught a glimpse of several famous bridges, and the backside of the Lady Liberty.  Even from that angle she didn't look as tall as we thought she should.  Our destination though was Liberty Park.  It was cold and very blustery but it didn't deter us from viewing the sight we had come to see.  A short walk and we were at the water's edge.  Across the river stretched before us was the famous Manhattan skyline.  We recognized several buildings: The majestic Empire State, decked out in red, white, and blue;  The shiny top of the Chrysler building; and the George Washington Bridge.  But the main focus of the skyline was two single shafts of bright lights illuminating the skyline where once stood two tall towers, It was impressive and a very awe inspiring moment. We would have liked to have stayed there longer but the cold drove us back to the warmth of the bus.  We finished our tour and returned to our hotel.  It had been a long day and we knew tomorrow would be longer.

Day 2 - Come on...get up...time is wasting....let's go!  Finally everyone had showered, dressed, and were ready to go.  We started the day with our first train ride.  Being novice travelers, we let others on the train first.  Big Mistake!  We had to stand until we got to New York.  Once in the Big Apple we walked around the train station trying to figure out where to go.  Lucky for us we spotted the local Police booth and found a most helpful Officer.  Once pointed in the right direction there was no stopping us.  First destination: The Empire State Building.  Of course on the way we were sidetracked by none other than K-Mart.  Yes Folks, there is a K-Mart in Midtown Manhattan.  After a short stop we were on our way to the Empire State Building.  Okay, we did stop one more time to buy some souvenirs, but now we were on our way.

The Empire State Building-Okay, where is it?  We saw it in front of us a minute ago.  Wait, is this it right here beside us?  First clue?  The line waiting to get in. What a grand old building.  Once again we had to go through security.  We went on the skyway thrill ride and then up to the top.  It was a bright sunny day if only a bit windy.  The view was glorious.  We were able to see for miles from all sides of the building.  We were able to identify quite a bit now.  There was Central Park, the Greek Orthodox Church, the Chrysler Building, Downtown Manhattan, and of the course that tiny speck in the water was none other than the Statue of Liberty.  Hmmm, somehow she always seemed bigger in my mind.  We view the sites to our heart's content but then reluctantly had to leave.  There was so much more to do and so little time.

Hey!  Look guys, it is a hot dog vendor.  I really want to try a dirty water hot dog.  So after a dog for each and a couple of pretzels, we were back on our way.  What's that you say?  Let's walk to the store we're looking for?  It's only a couple of blocks?  Sure why not!  That's the last time I'll believe Craig.  6 blocks over and 14 blocks down.  Next time let's get a cab.  And that's exactly what we did!  Actually we rode in several cabs.  This is truly an experience. Most of the cabbies didn't speak English or at least not well.  Cab rides in Downtown Manhattan are not for the weak of heart.  Let's suffice it to say these guys should be teaching EVOC!

Finally we were at our primary destination - Ground Zero.  I could not believe the vast amount of people standing on the sidewalk across from where the towers stood.  It amazed me that after six months people still wanted to connect with what happened there.  The public viewing stand was crowded and there was a waiting line.  Craig made contact with a couple of NYPD officers and the next thing we know we were invited to the private viewing platform.  We did have a slight delay as earlier in the day they had recovered several bodies and the family members had not yet left the area.  We were then directed to an area where the general public is not allowed.  What a privilege.  We were told the area was for family members only but they consider all Police Officers, EMTs and Fire Fighters family.  

We were met at the viewing platform by Lt. Monahan who escorted us up the platform and explained what was going on today.  Trying to explain Ground Zero to someone is almost impossible.  Looking out at the site you are reminded of a big construction area.  Everyone has hard hats on, there are machines everywhere, and there are partial buildings.  Not very impressive.  But it's not the site.  It is the feeling.  

Stroll down the walkway and the first thing you see is the names of everyone who died or is missing at the World Trade Center.  The railing beneath the picture is covered with flowers, mementos, writings, pictures, and reminders that these individuals were someone's loved one.  Walking up the stairs you see in childish handwriting "We Love You Mommy".  It was enough to break your heart.  

Once on the platform itself, you have an unrestricted view of the devastation.  Again it isn't what you see it's what you feel.  Every square inch of the wall behind us is covered with reminders of who these people were.  There are fresh flowers, we were told flowers show up every day.  The wall is dotted with patches from departments around the world.  It was here we left the reminder that Columbus cares.  

There were personal messages from husbands, wives, children, mothers, father, brothers & sisters.  Each one was more heartwenching than the next.  There were messages scrawled on the railings. No one spoke.  What could we say?  We each experienced this in our own way.  How can anyone be subjected to this and not feel the pain of these families?  I know I'll never forget.

The somber group then proceeded to the NYPD monument located about a block from the World Trade Center.  Beside the monument wall, there was a makeshift tent set up to pay respects.  This was easier than the family platform as it was not as personal.  It is amazing how many people care.  We saw tributes from every state and many nations represented.  It is a shame that it took a tragedy of this magnitude to unite our country, but united we are!

It had been a long day and as dusk was falling we decided we had to meander our way back to the train station.  Time for another cab ride and then the train.  The group was much quieter on the way home.  It had been a fulfilling day, one we won't soon forget.

Day 3: - Once again it's off to the train.  This time our destination is Liberty Island.  A short train ride, a cab ride and voila!  Here we are at Battery Park.  I had lost my sunglasses at the Empire State Building and needed a new pair.  Where else would you buy sunglasses than from a guy with a briefcase full.  Unbelievable!  I got a pair of Oakleys for only $8.  Jeff on the other hand was searching for the guy with the Rolexes.  Believe it or not we found him.  They even keep time.

Again we stood in line to be searched.  I'm starting to get used to this.  It was a bit cool on the water but not be faint hearted, we stood on the forward deck.  We wanted to be the first to see the Lady.  Then suddenly there she was.  Funny, she doesn't see to be so small now.  Unfortunately we were not able to go to the top.  There are still security issues here.  That was okay with me.  After yesterday's trek, I don't think I would have made it as far as her waist! 

We spent far too much time in the gift shop and were rushing to get back to the ferry.  The trip back took us past Ellis Island.  We were on a time schedule and were unable to do more than just look at the island.  Besides we have to save something for next time.

A quick cab ride, a longer train ride, and we were back at the hotel again.  Just enough time to pack up and meet again with Paul.  We took possession of the new ambulance and began our trek homeward.  Except for the dark, plenty of snowy roads, and stopping to assist at an accident, the trip home was pretty much uneventful.  Of course I did sleep quite a bit of the way.  All in all this adventure to procure additional resources for Heartline was a time I'm sure none of us will forget!

Peggy