The twin beams in lower Manhattan have captured the hearts of millions of Americans still healing from the devastation of Sept. 11.
Unlike some of the excesses surrounding our national tragedy, they are a restrained, yet glorious, tribute to that day and those heroes.
Simple. Powerful. Majestic. Eloquent. They mark a place of great sorrow and point heavenward.
Artfully, they allow the viewer to draw meaning from personal memories. They are as articulate in their symbolism as the Vietnam wall is in its mission of remembrance.
Before the fundraising begins, before the committees and politicians ponder expensive and overwrought alternatives, before the process is globalized and politicized, let us pray that someone sees the light. In this case, less is more. Let us hope that this temporary tribute earns a permanent place in the Manhattan skyline.
