I'm surprised that anything amazes me anymore.

There is so much racism and hate in the comments over there it isn't funny. Sometimes a banana is just a banana. I really think that this is one of those times, but hey if it gets changed, fine. Either way I really hope that it's classier than "a giant middle finger facing Mecca".

Scott, over where? At the LGF site? I confess I didn't even open the comments there. I just wanted to link to the post itself.

I agree that this is probably just a coincidence. But I do think it is a poor choice and is in bad taste, even if unintentional. It should be changed, in my opinion, but I don't have any opinion about what it should be changed to. Preferably something respectful and honorable and modest and, yes, classy. I wonder why they don't solicit input from the victims' families.

But a red crescent is just a bad, bad idea.

This is actually only one of five finalists, so the decision has not been made yet.
An article on the finalists here:
http://www.postgazette.com/pg/05036/453317.stm

Although I don't like the name, the memorial idea called Disturbed Harmony is my favorite of the concepts. I like the walk through the field it requires.

Yeah at LGF.

Yes it should prbably be changed or at least better explained if it can be changed. As far as soliciting input from victims families, that might not be a bad idea but I think you'd get a glut of really bad ideas.

Looks like they have chosen their final from the website. Selected Design

This is art. I would be more than shocked if it were coincidental. Images and the subconscious are the tools of art. If this is not intentional, a very large group of designers and reviewers must be blind.

Wait -- you mean, that is the selected design?

Unreal.

The picture in the post I couldn't find on the memorial web site. It doesn't seem near as bad when looking at their pictures.

While I didn't take time to read the significance of colors or other things, I wonder if the used a different color than red if it wouldn't be better?

I don't think color would help all that much. It really is a crescent like the Islamic symbol. It's not even a half-circle or something like that. It is, in this rendering, pretty much the exact shape of the most recognizable symbol of the Muslim religion.

I still think it's unintentional (as a religious reference), but to me, this is like accidentally creating a cross with a Holocaust memorial. It is not appropriate for what happened and is an incidental affront to the victims.
And you can bet the typical Islamofascist talking heads will appreciate the design. Do we want to do something we know will please those who celebrate the deaths of our citizens?

At the very least, it is in poor taste. I just pray this is the last memorial like this that will be required.

"Islamofascist"

Can I tell you how much I dislike this word? Probably just a kneejerk liberal thing.

I don't know how recognizable it will be as a "red crescent" since it will be a curved bowl shape row of maple trees.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05251/567702.stm

I'm thinking that to the average viewer on the ground, "red crescent" will never even occur.

I don't know how recognizable it will be as a "red crescent" . . . I'm thinking that to the average viewer on the ground, "red crescent" will never even occur.

I think it will, because, even if walk-up attendees aren't seeing an aerial view, this feature of the memorial is actually titled "Crescent of Embrace." The specific shape is mentioned in the name.

I can't tell if it's just stupifying ignorance that led to this design winning or utter contempt for the Americans that died on that flight, but either way this is appalling.

Here's the contact info(too bad there's no e-mail):

General Correspondence
By Mail
National Park Service
109 West Main Street, Suite 104
Somerset, PA 15501-2035

By Phone
Superintendent - Flight 93 National Memorial
(814) 443-4557

By Fax
(814)443-2180

Let people know how backhanded this memorial is.

Off topic, but today is 9/11, so...

We believe there is a lack of (or maybe "ANY") 'appropriate' 9/11 memorials, anywhere. We've put our own 5 minute video memorial online. No burning buildings, no rubble, no explosions, no speeches, no screeches, no Bin Laden, no bodies. Just a remembrance of some people whose lives were cut short through no fault of their own, with poignant candid snapshots from their lives, and music.

Thought you might want to spend a few moments today, remembering.

http://mistersnitch.blogspot.com/2005/09/our-after-911-site-is-online.html

How does this design get picked out of over a thousand other ones??? This design was just one of over a thousand proposals, and clearly this architect's design does have symbolic overtones that cannot be rationally dismissed.
However, let's not blame the architect, RATHER.... BLAME THE IDIOTS [AND POWERS THAT BE] WHO PICKED THIS DESIGN OUT OF A THOUSAND OTHER ONES!!! Coincidence??????? As an American, I am utterly ashamed and we Americans need to make those who picked this design personally accountable.

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