The 9/11 Memorial Museum, opened on the tenth anniversary of the attack, stands in the shadow of the enormous One World Trade Center, commemorating the lost of 3,000 lives in the 911 attack almost 20 years ago.

On Tuesday, June 4, over 20 CCIP exchange interns (www.theccip.com) visited the museum and learn more about the history of the fallen World Trade Center towers and the people who lost their lives. It was a solemn visit, but also a reminder of the resilience of the city that has become their temporary home.

911 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM

Sherry studying at the Nanyang Technology University of Hong Kong was one of the leaders at this activity, she commented, "Having to go through the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the authentic displays and collections painted a realistically horrifying image in my head. What happened was indeed a tragedy."

Kimmy was another leader in this activity. Kimmy currently studies at the City University of Hong Kong majoring in business. She said, " 911 Museum reminds people of the history of the terrorist event, the precious of peace. We should never take simple thing for granted. People went to 911 for understanding the past." Kimmy added, "As a young generation, we seldom notice the past and easy to forget the blood that the ancient paid for us. 911 museum reminds the interns of the duty for future development. Not to be individualistic but to be more open-minded and to care for the world."

Connie studies at Nanyang Technological University. She commented, "I learnt from the 911 museum that how catastrophic it was and it is to the families who lost their love, and how united that American people are when they are in face of terrorist threat."

Jiaze also studies at Nanyang Technological University. She said, "It is a great opportunity for us to explore what happened on the day and to understand the deep reason and grief behind the tragedy. Beside the twin towers, pentagon was also attacked. I was deeply moved by the people who told their loved ones 'I love you' before the plane crashed. I'm moved by the firefighters who sacrificed to save others. Though grief is the unavoidable theme, I believe is always the better explanation."

Patrick studies at the City University of Hong Kong. He said, "This was a very interesting experience. Not only can we go to a museum together but we can also learn something about the US culture. It was fun also a good chance for all of us to build mutual trust and friendship. I really look forward to the next activity and that we can soon have fun together. Thanks to all the leaders."

ONE WORLD OBSERVATORY

After the visit, the group continued the evening by going up to the One World Observatory. The One World Observatory atop the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan on floors 100-102 is the summit of the tallest building in the western hemisphere.

Sherry commented, "The view from the top of the One World Trade Center was indeed breathtaking. This enriching activity left me in having mixed feelings of somber. Definitely a must-go!"

Adela studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. This summer, she interns for Congresswoman Grace Meng's district office in Queens. She said, "The One World Observatory was such a great experience! We saw the New York City skyline. I realized that New York looks uniquely different from different angles. I think it’s most interesting to get a glimpse of areas I haven’t even visited. It really does make me want to explore every part of NYC!"

Vin comes from National University of Singapore. He commented, "It was an emotional and enriching experience for us. We are truly inspired by how US has held itself strong since 9/11 and has built itself up again. The view from the top was beautiful and we found it really nice to see the view from where we stood. As the sun set and night came by, we saw a different side to New York as it lit up."