I painted “Holy Ground” to honor those who lay down their lives as they worked to save the people trapped in the damaged World Trade Center buildings. In the midst of darkness and chaos these brave men and women trudged up broken stairs, bringing glimmers of hope and life to the desperate and fearful. There is no greater love than to lay your life down for your brothers and sisters. It is right to take off our shoes in their presence; their great sacrifice has created hallow ground.