seventy-five years young

on may 1, 1931, a switch was flipped in the white house (of all places) and the empire state building illuminated the new york city skyline for the first time.

75 years ago, it was a modern marvel--an architectural wonder that arose in a time of depression and symbolized hope which would eventually lead to triumph. although it has since been surpassed in height, today the esb still reigns on the list of the world's most recognizable landmarks.

for the past three nights, the building has been dark to represent the manhattan skyline prior to may 1, 1931. before i took the initative to find out why the lights were not on, i was disappointed, and even concerned, at the absence of light in the view from my apartment. it's something i take for granted and really something we all take for granted whether you can see it or not.

before the twin towers fell, and the world as we know it changed, i would have never thought twice about the mortality of many things, let alone something as cold as an office building. but, the world trade center proved to us that a building is more than steel and concrete; it is a living part of our history.

and in the wake of that tragedy, the empire state building has risen once again as the tallest structure in new york, and in many ways has been called upon to represent the same things that it did in 1931--a towering symbol of stability, greatness and hope for both the city and the country as a whole.

so, happy birthday to the esb, and with all sincerity, i wish you many many more.