The Eternal Phoenix

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum recently received a generous gift from the Sino-American Friendship Folk Museum in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China: a glass plaque inscribed with a poem entitled “The Eternal Phoenix.” The poem is a heartfelt ode to the resilience of the American people and the indefatigable spirit of New Yorkers in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. It is dedicated to “the People of America.”

Professor Jie Pan and Mrs. Zhuhua Fan — co-founders of the museum — wrote the poem after watching the 9/11 attacks on TV and visiting Ground Zero soon after. They specifically had the plaque delivered to the Museum to mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11. 

A consultant from the Sino-American Friendship Folk Museum explained, “This glass plaque is a gift from the Chinese people to the 9/11 Memorial to extend their deep condolences and empathy for the American people.”  
 
The mission of the Sino-American Friendship Folk Museum is to record, celebrate, share, and highlight the evolvement of the centuries-old friendship between the United States and China, which dates back to 1784. Its exhibits — both here and in China — have received letters of recognition and gratitude from three U.S. presidents — Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. 

By 9/11 Memorial Staff