Just as after death, an annoying uncle becomes revered and remembered for his sense of humor or strange talent by a family, so did the World Trade Center become a symbol for America after it was put in jeopardy. The speaker was able to find positive in these "ugly" buildings because of protective, sentimental feelings towards them. It makes me wonder how the speaker feels towards the towers now that they are gone.
What are someone's true feelings? Are they just as real if they are changed by a tragedy?

Here's a permalink to my blog entry on this reading selection:

http://blogs.setonhill.edu/ChristopherUlicne/coursework/014380.html