Politics & Government
Resident Says 9/11 Monument Design Not Uplifting
Asks public be allowed to put in thoughts on remembrance she says reflects too much of the past.
Like many Warren residents, Sandra Ponzio is happy that her town is erecting a monument to honor Americans lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It’s just that she disagrees with its presentation.
“I am concerned about the 9/11 monument that we are putting up," Ponzio said. “I saw the new design ... the first thing I see when I turn the corner is a mangled piece of steel.”
The township’s ground zero monument, which will be located on Municipal Center grounds close to Mountain Boulevard, features two columns reminiscent of the Twin Towers on the sides a piece of World Trade Center steel.
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In one regard, the monument could be seen a solemn reminder of the tragedy that took place on that fateful day. Or, it can be seen as uplifting as a positive remembrance of those who perished.
Ponzio said her thought is that a monument is supposed to show emotion and be “moving" in some way.
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“What I personally see is the past and what happened after,” Ponzio said. “I don’t see something positive. In our monument there is nothing uplifting or moving or something going in a direction away from what happened that day.”
The monument was designed by Ralph Garafola, husband of Mayor Carolann Garafola. The current rendering represents a project that has been altered from Garagola’s original vision because of the massive size and weight of the steel centerpiece.
Originally the columns were to be made of black granite, and the top of the statue was to have a steel formation with juxtaposed beams extending in a shape reminiscent of the letter "w."
“The most important purpose of a monument is to evoke emotion,” Ponzio said, “I don’t see inspiration. I see a fact and this is what happened.”
Ponzio proposed to the township committee that the public be allowed to have a chance to provide input on the design.
“I understand art is subjective and that we can’t make everyone happy but I don’t think there’s harm in finding out what the community thinks,” Ponzio said.
Ponzio said she conducted an anecdotal survey through Facebook asking for opinions on whether people in her network liked the status. She received six responses two of whom said that they did not like the design.
The mayor and committee members thanked Ponzio for her comments.
