Sep 11, 2008 10:13 am US/Eastern
Amid Ash & Debris, A Symbol Of Courage Emerges
St. Paul's Chapel Withstood Attacks Of 9/11, Despite Being Located Directly Across From Ground Zero
Attracts Thousands Of Visitors Daily
Reporting
Cindy Hsu
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Right across from Ground Zero is Saint Paul's Chapel, the church that survived the attack and has become a shrine of courage. The little chapel that withstood the 9/11 attacks just across the street, is now a place of peace for people from all over.
CBS
Right across from Ground Zero is Saint Paul's Chapel, the church that survived the attack and has become a shrine of courage.
The little chapel that withstood the 9/11 attacks just across the street, is now a place of peace for people from all over the world.
On the 7th anniversary of that dreadful day, thousands of visitors will make their way to St. Paul's Chapel to remember those who died, as well as the countless volunteers who came together to help firefighters and rescue workers in the months after the attacks.
St. Paul's is known as the Chapel that stood. It's right across the street from Ground Zero, and when the smoke cleared from the attacks not a single window was broken at the church.
Ash and debris covered everything, but St. Paul's stood strong.
"A few headstones were knocked over and the giant sycamore tree in our church yard collapsed by the force of the fallen debris, but other than that there was no damage whatsoever done to the church," said Omayra Rivera of St. Paul's.
Inside, visitors from all over the world remember those who died, and learn how the chapel turned into a sanctuary for volunteers, firefighters and rescue workers.
Many are moved to tears and feelings that are hard to put into words.
"It's very emotional, I'm sorry but it is," said Mary Greenslade from San Antonio.
"There was chaos all around, and yet inside these doors there was peace, there was love and compassion, there was a sense of hope," said Reverend Canon Anne Mallonee.
The pews are worn and scuffed from firefighters who slept here, too tired to remove their equipment.
For 9 months, volunteers like Omayra Rivera helped get them through by listening.
"Many of them would tell us stories about what they had found at the site, some of them would just come in here and they were crying, just in disbelief," said Rivera.
Now, 7 years later, people from all over the world come to reflect.
"It's like kind of a pilgrimage, I think people should go on to remember what it means to be a U.S. citizen from wherever in the world you happen to come from, that's what makes the United States beautiful," said Arizona resident Richard Rouse.
Everyday, about 1,200 visitors come through St. Paul's Chapel. Today, they're expecting more than 3,000.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
September 11, 2001: A Day Of Terror
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