9/11. Five Years On by Scott Jones

Although I have not been affected by the devastation, my family were in the World Trade Centre just two days before it went down. A little too close for comfort from where I’m sitting. I can’t even begin to imagine how it has affected others who really did lose loved ones - all I can offer you is my deepest sympathies and condolences.

What better way to cherish those that passed by having a permanent memorial inked into your skin? There is such an overwhelming and beautiful variety of tattoos dedicated to the terrorist attacks that it is simply best to keep words to a minimum here, and urge you to look at the links I have found so you can focus on the imagery instead.

This stunning backpiece (above) worn by Michael Golding.

Just after the actual attacks five years ago, tattooists all over the U.S. donated their skills by tattooing survivors and families of the victims for free. Since 9/11, tattoos dedicated to the event itself have been growing ever more so popular, often now featuring as a whole separate category to display the vast amount of images inked up in tattooist's galleries.

Although I do not need to recount the happenings of that day, the tattoos etched into skin at this time (and even today) are a wonderful reminder of how society can mourn, cherish, remember, rebuild and become stronger because of it. It is a strangely eerie feeling looking over these tattoos, but one that leaves you impressed and completely blown away nonetheless.

Take a look at the following links to see some breathtaking, touching and very loving and affectionate tributes to all that lost their lives on September 11th - and have your own silent little moment for what has been and what now is.

http://tattoo.about.com/cs/tatart/l/blgal911.htm

http://www.firehouse.com/terrorist/

http://modblog.bmezine.com/2005/09/09/september-11th-tattoos/

http://modblog.bmezine.com/2005/09/10/firefighter-tattoos/

http://www.strikethebox.com/

If you would like to share your own memories, links and/or photographs of this fateful day (particularly tattoos), then please do not hestiate to get in touch. Please, feel free to register as a member and add your thoughts and comments if you have the time.