Editor’s Note: Susan Mackey and Jeff Christian flew to New York on Tuesday morning to be in the city for the commemoration of the attacks on the World Trade Center. Here is what they saw on Sept. 11.

NEW YORK – While walking south on Broadway on a windy Wednesday, thousands of New Yorkers reflected in different ways that only Americans can.

In Times Square, patriotism was rampant. In the midst of all the commotion, one man stood above all the rest. He dances and sings every day in his white briefs, cowboy boots and cowboy hat. “I’m the naked cowboy,” he chants.

His name is Robert Burck, but he likes to be referred to as the “Naked Cowboy.” Burck came to New York from Cincinnati two years ago and hasn’t found a reason to go back.

The Naked Cowboy strums his fingers on an old acoustic guitar while shuffling along the sidewalk. He wore his outfit proudly, which was overwhelmed by red, white and blue. The words “nakedcowboy.com” were also printed on his hat. New York is where he needs to be and Times Square is where he goes every day.

While walking further south toward the Financial District, patriotism seemed to increase. There were many other emotions resting in the air. There was sadness, remembrance and, most of all, there was a feeling of shock. Standing and wondering what to do next seemed to be what hundreds of people did do on Wednesday.

At ground zero, known to the New York Fire Department as “the pile,” people went to pay their respects and remember those who died in the World Trade Center. Across the street from where the towers once stood, the fence around St. Paul’s Chapel has become a memorial wall. T-shirts, hats, flags, candles, pictures, letters and much more decorate the fence to remember and commemorate Sept. 11.

The atmosphere took the breath away from people at ground zero. The sound of a man from New Jersey playing “Amazing Grace” on his flute added even more emotion to the atmosphere.

Salvation Army volunteer Diann Sladyk-Grindle traveled from East Hartford, Conn., to reflect on where she was on Sept. 11, 2001.

After seeing the buildings go down last year, she said she had trouble returning to the site before the anniversary.

“I know what it feels like when many say they were gasping and choking,” Sladyk-Grindle said.

She said she came to the site on Wednesday to attend the commemoration of the attacks and also to talk to others who had seen what she had seen last year.

“Being down here means that you can’t touch someone, you can’t call them or do anything. I feel so helpless,” Sladyk-Grindle said.

The theme in New York this week is to not forget the fallen, but move forward with life.

The people of New York seem to be doing just that.