"esteemed". "cherished"? ~~ well, indeed, they were not among the most beautiful builings in the world, & I am glad they didn't target the Chrysler, which is IMO one of such. But in all my visits to the city 1970s-90s, NY-ers spoke with uniform pride and proprietoriality of the Twin Towers, which had replaced the Empire State, it seemed to me, as the City's symbol; and was unfortunately sited in a position vulnerable to the sort of attack which occurred.

~M~