The “Tribute In Light” memorial has become a meaningful tradition to honor those lost on 9/11, and many New Yorkers were disappointed when this year’s display was canceled due to COVID-19.
But now the memorial is back on.
The annual display—which beams two lights up straight into the sky near Ground Zero, where the Twin Towers would have stood—was originally canceled by the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, saying “the health risks during the pandemic were far too great for the large crew required to produce the annual Tribute in Light.”
Still, not too long after the news was shared, Governor Cuomo announced that the state would provide support and aid so the memorial would in fact shine on September 11, 2020.
NYS will provide health personnel & supervision so that @Sept11Memorial can mount the Tribute in Light safely.
I am glad that we can continue this powerful tribute to those we lost on 9/11 and to the heroism of all New Yorkers.
We will #NeverForget.
— Archive: Governor Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) August 15, 2020
“Honoring our 9/11 heroes is a cherished tradition,” the Governor said. “The twin towers of light signify hope, resiliency, promise and are a visual representation of ‘New York Tough.'” He also thanked former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who he said will help execute the initiative this year. Bloomberg is also the chairman of the museum and memorial.
The 9/11 Memorial President and CEO thanked the Governor and Mr. Bloomberg for “their assistance in offsetting the increased costs associated with health and safety considerations around the tribute this year and the technical support of so many that will enable the Tribute to be a continuing source of comfort to families and an inspiration to the world going forward.”
“Tribute in Light” was first displayed six months after 9/11, and has been every year thereafter, from dusk to dawn, on the night of September 11. This year’s will commemorate the 19th anniversary of the tragic September 11 attacks.
In other news: New York State Bans Ticket Sales For Bars And Restaurants Offering Live Performances
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