9/11 Families Boycotting City Memorial
The families of a group of 9/11 victims are so angry the city is refusing to hold its annual memorial ceremony at ground zero that theyve decided to [organize their own]. Mayor Bloomberg announced yesterday that the memorial would have to be moved to Zuccotti Park, just southeast of the site, because ongoing [construction makes it too dangerous](http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/mayor-defends-911-ceremonys-move-to-nearby-park/) for a large public gathering. Bloomberg also argued that the change in location would serve as a symbolic gesture that the city has moved on since the attacks. But the families say that that just isnt good enough: This is not the siteits across the street, Anthony Gardner, whose brother was killed in the attacks, told reporters. You have a better view of a Burger King than the actual trade center site, he said. The groups are expected to apply for permits for their own gathering later today.
The Port Authority has reportedly said that it is currently trying to find a way to let families visit ground zero that day. But according to Newsday, spokesman Steve Sigmund said [relatives would not be given permission] to hold a separate ceremony. Relatives would also be prohibited from descending into the 7-story pit to lay flowers, a ritual they have completed every year since the tragedy.
Photo courtesy of [ClatieK on Flickr]