I drove from Manhattan to West Warwick, RI a few days before the 20th anniversary of the tragic…read moreStation Nightclub Fire, to record photos and video for a project I created. This is the second time I've visited the memorial: I stopped by here briefly in 2021 as well. I personally had no connections to the victims of the tragedy, as I was a high school senior in Pennsylvania in February 2003 - and I also didn't hear about the fire until after it occurred. Nonetheless, I've always been fascinated at the terrible event which took place on that fatal night in 2003, and wanted to visit the aftermath myself. The park is very simple in its appearance: upon entering the threshold, you're given multiple paths to walk upon, which have markers on the ground to commemorate the victims of the fire. In the center of each module of markers are circular concrete tables embossed with designs of 45 record spindle inserts. At the back of the memorial is a small pavilion with a full timeline of the tragedy, as well as key facts about similar nightclub tragedies such as Cocoanut Grove in Massachusetts. During my visit, I spoke with a man who informed me that he was an emergency room worker on the night of the disaster, and that his hospital was overwhelmed with injured patients to the surprise of the other hospital workers. Even if you have no immediate friends or family involved with the disaster, I recommend you stop by and pay respects. The park is usually quiet during the day, and is located off a main road which is relatively near Interstate 95.

Quick note: the park includes a small parking area and there is a sensor at the entrance that turns…read moreon a light in the pavilion. This light is on a timer, so if it goes off, you will need to walk through the entrance again to turn it back on. People around the world know of the Station Night Club Fire. It's lessons are taught in fire districts throughout the U.S. For years family members have been working to create a memorial to those who lost their lives. Finally the park is completed and I believe it is a fitting tribute. There were many considerations that had to be taken into account when creating this park, not the least of which is the requirements by the state that the park be easily maintained. This park truly gives the aura of a holy place. A place of remembrance. It memorializes each person who lost their lives while out for an evening of enjoyment with friends. Every person has a head stone. Most with a photo, making the loss, of all their futures held, poignant. The pavilion at the back includes a time line. Reading top to bottom, left to right, it describes the history of the building - for example how originally the capacity of the building was about 50 people, and over time how that changed. The events of the fire are recounted starting before the band began to play. It recounts how some people made it out safely, couldn't find their friends, and returned to help them out, never to make it out again. So much heroism. Such sadness. I hope you will visit this memorial. Pay your respects to the departed. Appreciate how one moment can change your life and remember to be thankful for every small thing. No matter how small.