There have been several examples of the twin towers being rebuilt in the virtual world of Second Life, but with the anniversary of that awful day with us once again, I would like to bring to your attention a site that I feel deserves a special mention: the World Trade Center sim. As I write this, it is still being finalised, ready for an official opening to coincide with the time the first plane hit. What singles this site out is that it does not attempt to undo what has happened. Rather, it commemorates those from many. many nations who died in that dreadful and tragic atrocity.

It is a solemn and moving experience. Around a square pond is a walkway. Facing towards the pool, and edging the walkway, is a wall of commemoration, simply listing the names of those killed. It would be tempting to say “the fallen”, but I don’t feel abstract euphemisms are appropriate.