The 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks
is coming up and will be marked through live concerts, art exhibitions, and more. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and you are maybe wondering how NYC is going to memorialize this most solemn day.
During the pandemic, there are more ways than ever to remember 9/11 from a 5K for children affected by 9/11 to reflective concerts and more. Here is a fuller list.
Below are just some of our favorite ways the city is marking this significant milestone.
Tribute in Light | September 11, 2021
The beams of blue light arranged in the shape of the Twin Towers will be visible from at least 60 miles away on a clear night. For the best views, head to Washington Square, Union Square parks in Manhattan, Gantry Plaza State Park in Queens, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. For more info, check out 911memorial.org
The New York Historical Society commemoration
The New York historical society will stage a series of installations, film screenings to provide understanding and context around what New Yorkers collectively experienced on the horrifying day of history. This exhibition will take place throughout Sept 11, and will include ethos-filled relics, damaged fire truck doors from the first responders to arrive on the scene, candles, notes, and mementos retrieved from the memorials from the aftermath.
Memory Ground | September 11, 2021
Head towards the top of Green-Wood’s Battle Hill, from there, you will experience sweeping views of Lower Manhattan to remember the lives that were lost on Sept 11. Saxophonist Noa Even and the Desdemona Ensemble will perform compositions by Mississippi-born and NYC-based composer Buck McDaniel. Bring a chair or a blanket for the 45-minute performance. Reservations and a $10 donation are strongly recommended.
The Daffodil Project
New Yorkers for Parks have been planting daffodils around NYC every year for the last 20 years. This massive volunteer effort involves up to 400,000 dedicated New Yorkers who help out with this project. This all began when Hans Van Waardenburg, a dutch bulb supplier, gifted a million flowers to the city to honor those who died. Since then, it has become a tradition in this city. Over eight million daffodil bulbs have been distributed for free, planted by volunteers every fall, and blooming in Spring. This year, on the 20th Anniversary, the daffodil project will double the number of bulbs around the five boroughs for a total of one million bulbs planted in the city. This project's increased size this year is also meant to honor those lost in the coronavirus pandemic. Click through to find out how to volunteer this year!
