Here's my idea for the 9/11 Memorial - it's very simple, and will take many, many years to look beautiful. Or like anything, really. First, clear out the site of all equipment and structures, and fill in the ground around what would be the WTC footprints, creating two massive, square craters where the towers formerly stood. Then, simply create a flat, cobblestone plaza around the WTC footprints, with a nice, wraught-iron fence around the perimeter of each one to prevent people from falling into the holes. Maybe have a few viewing platforms with swiveling binoculaurs so people can get a better view down into the depressions. And there you go, that's it. Let nature have her way with the pits. This will take a looong time, as it's not exactly potting soil down there. But eventually, some plants will start to sprout up. Some flowers and trees will start to grow. Over time, the two massive square holes will each contain a small forest, the crowns of the trees emerging above the viewing level. The Parks department can prune and tend to whatever plant life spills out of the holes, but the bulk of the vegetation in the pits is free to grow unchecked, wild. It might take a hundred years. But that's my idea.

An alternate idea? The same exact thing, except the trees are planted in the holes. Massive trees. Maybe sequioas, those incredibly huge redwood trees from California. Ooh. That might be a better idea. The two WTC footprints with these enormous forests growing out of them.

Have a nice day, everyone.