Although we didn’t plan ahead and arrange for passes to enter the Memorial, (they are free but required for entry) we were able to find a way to visit. During slower times there are sometimes passes available at the site and this is how we entered. There is still quite a lot of work underway but the two identical memorials covering the footprints where each building stood are complete.
Each fountain has a ledge along the top with the engraved names of all who were lost at the building. Water falls over the edge and down a 50′ wall into a pool. The pool drains into void at the very bottom and disappears. Quite impressive.
The pictures here were taken in the evening and the reflection of the surrounding buildings and the clouds are what appeared on the water in the front section of the fountain.
The Monuments are grand and solemn. The pools are kind of a reflection, or a negative, of what once stood there. The great losses, human and otherwise, remain present as the pools drain forever. A brilliant metaphor to what occurred, and all that was lost. Very moving.