9/11 10th Anniversary Tribute

The Daily (among others) are reporting on a rumor that New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is in "secret negotiations with HBO to produce a historic Bon Jovi concert in Central Park the night before the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

It is believed HBO would pay to produce the multimillion-dollar event, as well as for security and cleanup, in return for the rights to cable-cast performances by Bon Jovi, John Legend and a dozen other top acts.

However, a rep for the cable network denied the behind-the-scenes wrangling last night.

The Central Park tribute to the fallen would be a prelude to the ceremonies the following day at Ground Zero, where the families of the nearly 3,000 victims will hear the names of their loved ones read out loud.

I'm not sure how I feel about that.

On the one hand, I feel any tribute to an event as horrific as the 9/11 attacks should, in my opinion, be more respectful than a rock show; a rock show seems more like a celebration.  I guess my gut reaction was disgust over the culture today -- we want to commemorate some event / someone's life / whatnot, let's see who'll do it up biggest, and which network / station will pay the most for broadcast rights.

But on the other hand, a celebration is okay.  As a country, we pulled together in spirit and purpose, and the extreme shows of bravery from the men and women in various fire, police, and military units during and since that event are definitely worth celebrating.  Also very much worth remembering and celebrating are the lives of those who were killed and the lives of their families as well.  There are some amazing stories of strength, faith, forgiveness, and healing in there.

I'm torn.

Assuming the rumors to be true, what do you think about it?

~ Hath