Today, on the anniversary of Sept. 11, people the world over no doubt will stop and reflect on one of the most cataclysmic events in recent memory.
As we stand here today, however, a heated debate has risen amid the sweat, tears and rubble as to what should be done with the 16 acres left empty after the collapse of the World Trade Center in New York.
Some want to build for the future. Others want to honor the past. Many people, however, aren't exactly sure what should be done with the exceptionally valuable real estate that once dominated Manhattan's Financial District.
Regardless of which side one is allied with, all can recognize the importance of having a center for global trade.
Echoing this sentiment is Guy Tozzoli, president of the World Trade Center Association, who states that a world trade center is "more than a building or an organization -- it provides essential global trade services and stimulates the economy of the region it serves."
Tozzoli indeed is correct. Since Sept. 11 the stock market has traded in its horns for claws, and the American economy has had to battle through a recession.
Furthermore, the economic burden not only has been felt in America, but also has been felt worldwide, from Budapest to Beijing.
According to the World Trade Organization's annual report, worldwide export levels have dropped nearly 13 percent since 2000, and "the events of 11 September 2001" are noted as "playing a major role in this global slowdown" during the past year.
In addition, unemployment rates skyrocketed to an eight-year high of 6 percent in May and currently stand at 5.9 percent -- up a full percentage point since Sept. 11.
Although maybe not the sole culprit, the absence of a world trade center certainly has served as a catalyst for the deterioration of a national, as well as global economy.
Aside from creating thousands of jobs within New York, a redeveloped trade center would, according to Tozzoli, "give businesses and governments the access and exposure essential for success."
These regained elements not only would increase levels of international trade and employment, but also would substantially contribute to economic recovery efforts.
Although possibly unparalleled in stature and presence, the Twin Towers stood not only as a marvel of architectural achievement, but also as the stabilizing force to the vast majority of this world's fiscal matters.
Because of the vital role it will serve, the construction of another functional world trade center that honors the past while embracing the future must become a top priority.
One must be sure not to misinterpret this column: It in no way attempts to downplay a catastrophic loss or forget the sacrifices that were made on Sept. 11.
Opponents against developing Ground Zero argue that the land needs to be a memorial. This is by no means a point of contention. There should be a memorial marking that infamous day and remembering those lost.
But this memorial must not be passive in nature. More so than any other alternative, a functional World Trade Center that included areas for remembrance would stand as an archetypal example of the strength, resilience and courage that defines the American spirit.
Though it may not have seemed like it a year ago, life has indeed gone on after Sept. 11. People continue to work and businesses proceed to operate.
Everyone will have a different opinion as to where the line should be drawn between remembrance and progress. Yet a world trade center is indeed a fundamental component in maximizing global prosperity.
One cannot reasonably presume that rebuilding those 16 barren acres would in any way debase the memories of those lost. In fact, a new World Trade Center would stand as a memorial that would positively and profoundly impact the entire world.
To continue the work of the World Trade Center would undoubtedly be economically beneficial. Above all, however, to continue the work to which 2,800 Americans dedicated their lives would undoubtedly be the most fitting tribute of all.
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