Tuesday, Indianapolis, Indiana

As we approach the grim anniversary of the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001, I am still appalled every time I visit New York City that the glorious Twin Towers are gone. Sally and I were in the city that Fall, and I can remember looking at the smoldering mess from a spot near the entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel on the New Jersey side. It was mind boggling to say the least.

The World Trade Center was among my favorite places to visit in the city. When I was young I had occasion to go to the top of the Empire State Building and see the phenomenal view of Manhattan from up there. And of course no one could visit the Empire State Building without imagining King Kong perched on the top swatting at planes. But The World Trade Center was even more unique. Riding the elevator to the top, the view from the lower part of Manhattan was breathtaking. You could see all all the Burroughs of New York and way out into the harbor where for many generations ships entered New York City, carrying people and freight.

But there was one visit in particular that sticks out in my mind. I had just started my comedy career in the late 1970’s and had occasion to go to the top of the Twin Towers. In particular, I was mesmerized as I looked across from one tower to the other about the staggering (albeit ill advised) achievement of daredevil Philippe Petit, the French high wire act that did something unimaginable.

It was 34 years ago this week that Philippe Petit somehow managed to stretch a tight rope from one tower to the other and then walk across between them! He and his accomplices actually used a bow and arrow to fire fishing line from one tower to the other, and then used that to guide across the steel cable he would walk upon! Then, early in the morning he ventured out and crossed back and forth, walking on the wire, several times!

When a police officer responding to the report saw what Petit was doing, he described it as “spellbinding." Ah…you think!? He said that Petit was actually “dancing along the wire.” He was amazed that Petit was smiling and clearly fearless, on several occasions jumped completely off the cable and settled back down flawlessly. WOW!

To imagine this feat at that dizzying height is simply beyond comprehension. Of course, Petit was arrested shortly afterward but became an instant celebrity and legend in New York City.

When I think about the heinous act committed against us that destroyed those magnificent towers are trying to turn my mind’s attention to the joyous feet of Philippe Petit and his dance between the towers.