Hope McAlpine sends us word about a virtual 9/11 commemoration being planned around the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2011. I personally feel strange that I can not be in New York for any of the commemorative activities in person, since I was living in downtown Manhattan when the attacks occurred. But I imagine it will be a media zoo as well. So I welcome having a virtual space I can retire to from my home with others wanting to remember the victims and seek some comfort.
What is interesting is that the virtual commemoration is being built in Virtual Worlds Grid, on the OpenSim platform. The advantages Hope cites for using this OpenSim world are it has "countless sims," with "no limitations on how many avatars", "more room for creative ideas," and an "unlimited" prim count. That's a bit of hyperbole, but certainly more cost-effective than doing a similar project in Second Life.
Hope is looking for volunteers who want to help, including scripters, builders, artists and more. Some IM her avatar in Second Life if you are interested.
UPDATE 9/7/11: It appears the main memorial activities are now taking place in Second Life rather than Virtual Worlds Grid. See here for more information.
Read on for the full note from Hope after the jump...
[Related Links: other 9/11 virtual memorials in Second Life]
September 11, 2001 Tenth Anniversary Second Life® Memorial
In preparation for the upcoming memorial remembering the tragic events of September 11, 2001, we have prepared this special poster announcing this year’s theme, “Ground Zero: Spring of Hope.” The poster touches on the scope of activities planned in Second Life® to honor the victims of the horrific attacks on American soil that day. This theme, ‘Ground Zero; Spring of Hope”, focuses on positive changes on citizens’ live impacted by 9/11 event, while at the same time, remembering the fallen heroes.
This year, we will be using an Open Sims for a few reasons. Countless sims are available and no limitation on how many avatars on it. More room for creative ideas to builds. Prim count is unlimited. This is the location that we will use ...www.virtualworldsgrid.com. You will need to download Hippo viewer and then sign up at this website.
Volunteers are urgently needed in the following areas: scripters, builders for churches and faith based buildings, performing stages, singers, artists, speakers and many more. Please contact Hope McAlpine if you are interested.
This fall marks the tenth anniversary of those devastating events. Terrorists hijacked four large aircraft that morning, purposefully crashing two into the World Trade Center in New York City, and one into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The fourth hijacked aircraft was planned to crash possibly into either the Capitol building or the White House in Washington, D.C. Due to the selfless acts of passengers on that airplane, however, they crashed into an unpopulated area near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Those passengers and hijackers died but no harm was done to the intended other victims. In all, there were well over 3000 victims who died in the attacks with more than 6000 others injured. These included the many firefighters and police personnel who responded in the wake of the devastating crashes and ultimate collapse of the Twin Towers.
The purpose of the Second Life® 9/11 Memorial is to allow us to reflect on that dark day and remember those who gave their lives to serve and protect. This is a month-long continuing event during September 2011. We hope you will visit for a while at these venues and take the time to reflect, to find hope and healing in the aftermath of the terrible attacks on September 11, 2001. We also invite you to participate in the formal ceremonies on September 9th thru 12 at key locations. More information on all Memorial activities can be found on our commemorative web site at www.911remembranceandhope.com.
In remembrance of the selfless sacrifice of these first responders, the Second Life® Blue Angel Memorial Garden, along with other supporters from world-wide Second Life® virtual community, is proud to present the 2011 Tenth Anniversary Annual 9/11 Memorial. This will be a month-long series of special Second Life® activities to honor not only the many victims of the 9/11 tragedy, but also to recognize the work being done to help heal the nation and move forward in the wake of these catastrophic events. The Blue Angel Memorial Garden, along with its new partner parcel, the First Responders Minnehaha Park, are among the many virtual locations participating in this memorial.
