Local Artist Moved to Paint Following 9/11 Tragedy

Agoura Hills artist painted this dramatic image, entitled “Liberty’s Innocence,” which depicts the Statue of Liberty emitting the infamous World Trade Center 9/11 flames, because she “needed to paint it,” she said.

“It was totally and deeply heartfelt,” she said. “As with us all, I was reeling from the horrific impact of what was done to us on 9-11. Fraught with the nightmare of it, I truly tossed and turned in anguish many a night. Then my thoughts culminated in the basic essence–that Ms. Liberty stood ever-ready and proud to welcome one and all into our world of peace and that our Torch of Freedom was simply violently snuffed out.”

Colman’s work has been inducted into the premier collection of 9-11 memorabilia at the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Museum and Memorial.

As we approach the 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, many of us, like Colman, have stories to tell from that time and how it changed our lives.

What's your story?

Many activities are scheduled around Los Angeles and Ventura Counties to observe the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11.

Cities nationwide are readying remembrance ceremonies and vigils to pay tribute to those who died and suffered losses because of the tragedy.

Pepperdine University its holding its annual commemoration on its vast lawn. In addition to a breathtaking display of 2977 American flags, there will be speakers and a showing of the film United 93.

That fateful day changed the country and many people's lives—it altered reality for citizens, America's political system, the economy and in many ways shifted public policies for us a nation. How did it impact you?

Where were you on 9/11? How do you plan to explain it to your children if they are too young to remember it?

Tell us in the comments, below, or email me at susan.pascal@patch.com. We want to hear your story.

If you want to join a national remembrance effort, check out ActionAmerica.com to tell the country how you're taking positive action in Agoura Hills. To access Action America, click here.