The statue was unveiled just before the Little League season opener Friday evening, with Christina-Taylor's mother, father and brother present to watch as a fire truck pulled off a cover to reveal the glistening figure.
The angel's hand extends out, its robes appearing to blow in the wind. It is intended to be a symbol of peace after the Jan. 8 shooting that killed five others and wounded 13, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.
The statue's height holds added significance because the numbers 9 and 11 are prominent in Christina-Taylor's life. She was born on Sept. 11, 2001 — the day of the terrorist attacks — and was featured in a book about other children born that day.
Besides a 5 ½-foot long fragment of an I-beam from ground zero, the Freedom's Steadfast Angel of Love also incorporates a 3 ½-foot-long piece of steel from the Pentagon and a large rock from the Flight 93 crash site, sculptor Lei Hennessy-Owen said.
"It's beautiful," said shooting victim Susan Hileman, 59, who was holding Christina-Taylor's hand when a gunman opened fire at a meet and greet held by Giffords outside a supermarket. Hileman had taken her to the event because the little girl said she was interested in politics.
Rest in peace Christina.
There is no doubt that tragedies occur daily but part of being human is to protect and care for children. Looking at this little girl and knowing her fate, feeling the pain of that is overwhelming. No stupid platitudes about her being in a better place or in Jesus arms...just tears and grief.
ReplyDeleteGone too soon. Rest in Peace, little one.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful angel for a beautiful little angel, peace.
ReplyDeleteRIP Christina. You cannot help but hear the words that Palin so flippantly tossed around when seeing this little girl's face. Put's the phrase "don't retreat, reload" into it's proper perspective.
ReplyDeleteThis memorial was indeed a wonderful tribute to this sweet child. And a marker in our history of the political climate of 2011.
ReplyDeleteHow can anyone look at that picture of Christina and not feel an overwhelming sense of loss?
ReplyDeleteHow can anyone recall the blood libel speech and not feel deeply ashamed at what America has become?
Peace, Christina. Watch over us.
Sarah Palin's name should be in the word tags for this; she is connected to this tragedy & always will be.
ReplyDeleteI hope that Christiana's parents,family and friends find peace and tranquility.
ReplyDeleteMay people never, ever forget this tragedy.
There is so much life in Christina's face it's hard to believe her fate.
ReplyDeleteIf there are rain puddles in heaven, Christina is jumping in them today. And here on Earth, we place our hands over our hearts, and commit ourselves as Americans to forging a country that is forever worthy of her gentle, happy spirit.
ReplyDelete- President Barack Obama
1/12/11
"...leave my heart aching and my eyes moist"
ReplyDeleteMe too, Gryph.
The only solace I get from this is KNOWING that Sarah Palin will definitely burn in hell.
ReplyDeleteI feel certain that the angel isn't just reaching her hand out to Christians. In fact, perhaps she is reaching her hand out in spite of many of the "Christian" hatred in this country.
ReplyDeleteIt's like an open wound that refuses to heal, every time I look at Chistina's picture. She was even named after Jesus, yet some so-called Christians were waving placards about violence to those with whom they do not agree. And the biggest phony Christian of them all, Sarah Palin, helped foment the atmosphere in which a mentally deranged man took the action that caused Christina's death. And the NRA lives on.
ReplyDelete"Liberal's posters defaced with rifle-target symbols"
ReplyDelete-------------------
"OTTAWA - More than 100 election signs were spraypainted by vandals with symbols depicting crosshairs of a gun over his face, homophobic comments and course language.
His campaign workers were equally shocked by the vandalism."
"It's the same thing that Sarah Palin ran on her website that she was admonished for," said Al Toulin.
"And then the congresswoman in Arizona was shot just after that, so that's why we're worried."
ttp://www.torontosun.com/news...
Thanks for sharing. That picture makes me cry every time I see it.
ReplyDeleteI think when Mrs. Todd Palin appears places, people should stand outside holding up that picture...no words, just the picture..to remind everyone what one evil person can invoke.
My heart just aches for her family, and for that wonderful friend who was helping her pursue her dreams.
absolutely - i think of her often (and her family oc).
ReplyDelete