New York City has honoured the victims of the 9/11 attacks with a drone display that recreated the Twin Towers over New York Harbour. The commemorative public art installation, titled “2,977 Lights Over New York Harbor”, used 2,977 drones, with each light representing a victim of the September 11 attacks, according to organisers.
The Commemorative Display
The display, which lit up the skies on Wednesday night, formed the outline of the towers at full architectural scale. Organisers stated the project was developed in collaboration with members of the 9/11 community, including victims’ families, survivors, and first responders. Key individuals involved in shaping the aerial display included Brenda Berkman, an FDNY first responder and artist; Terry Strada, president of 9/11 Families United and widow of Tom Strada; and Genevieve Siller, daughter of Stephen Siller, both of whom were killed in the attacks. The display was unveiled ahead of Friday’s 25th anniversary observance and presented as a free public event focused on reflection and unity, as reported by ABC7 New York.
Broader Anniversary Observances
The drone show joined the long-running Tribute in Light art installation, which features 88 vertical searchlights arranged in two columns to represent the towers. Tribute in Light began as a temporary commemoration in 2002 and became an annual event by the Municipal Art Society of New York, according to The Telegraph. The 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks marks a quarter-century since al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four airliners in 2001, flying two into the Twin Towers, another into the Pentagon, and a fourth crashing in Pennsylvania after a passenger revolt.
The city’s memorial event on Friday is expected to see Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s first Muslim mayor, in attendance. Mr Mamdani has faced criticism from victims’ relatives and Republicans regarding his appointment of Ramzi Kassem as the city’s chief legal counsel, a lawyer who represented a convicted al-Qaeda member whose brother-in-law carried out the September 11 attacks. Responding to the criticism, Mr Mamdani said he wanted the week to focus on the families whose loved ones were lost and on the first responders. Donald Trump is not expected to attend the Manhattan event, as organisers did not permit political speeches; he will instead commemorate the anniversary at the Pentagon. JD Vance, the vice-president, will represent the White House in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What was the name of the drone display? The artwork was titled “2,977 Lights Over New York Harbor”.
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How many drones were used and what did they represent? 2,977 drones were used, with each light representing a victim of the September 11 attacks.
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Who collaborated on the display’s organisation? The project was developed in collaboration with artists, producers, and members of the 9/11 community, including victims’ families, survivors, and first responders.
