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10 Ways to Commemorate the 15th Anniversary of 9/11 Around NYC

Tribute in Light
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September 11, 2001 marks a pivotal time in the nation’s history. Despite the unimaginable tragedy inflicted by the attacks on that day, Americans have continued to demonstrate their resiliency in the face of devastation. Today, New York City leaves behind a lasting legacy of renewal and strength. In commemoration of the 15th anniversary of 9/11 this year, here are seven ways to honor and remember those who lost their lives:

1. WTC PATH Train Cars

Two PATH Train cars that were trapped beneath the World Trade Center are now on view at two trolley museums outside of New York City. PATH train Car 745 at the Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven, Connecticut will be opened to the public for the first time on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. A ribbon cutting ceremony dedicated to PATH car 143 at the Kingston Trolley Museum in the Hudson Valley will also be held on the same day.

Read more about the two PATH train cars here.


2. Tribute in Light

In 2002, the Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS) officially debuted Tribute in Light, a 9/11 memorial and art installation that utilizes 88 searchlights to form two vertical beams of blue light. The tribute was presented annually by MAS until 2012, when the 9/11 Memorial Museum took over the role. On a clear night, the lights can be seen within a 60-mile radius, and reach four miles into the sky.

See how the Tribute in Light is illuminated in this behind the scenes piece.


3. 9/11 Memorial & Museum Exhibition

On September 12, 2016, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum will present its newest exhibition: “Rendering the Unthinkable: Artists Respond to 9/11.” In commemoration of the 15th anniversary of 9/11, the show features a collection of artwork created by 13 artists, using a variety of media, including video and paint.


4. The Official 9/11 Memorial Tour


Through the Official 9/11 Memorial Tour, visitors will get the opportunity to learn about the historical significance of the World Trade Center, as well as the events that unfolded on 9/11. Tickets for the 45-minute, staff-led tour can be purchased alongside admission to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.


5. St. Paul’s Chapel 9/11 Commemoration

The 15th anniversary of the 9/11 will be commemorated at St. Paul’s Chapel on Sunday, September 11. Located directly across from the World Trade Center, the chapel once served as a sanctuary for recovery workers at Ground Zero. In addition to worship services, events will be held throughout the day, beginning at 8 AM. Included on the schedule is the Calling of Names Ceremony, as well as a concert performance by West Point Band. At precisely 8:46 AM (the time when the first plane crashed into the North Tower), St. Paul’s Bell of Hope will also ring in a salute to the fallen.

6. 9/11 Tribute Center: We Were There

Every Tuesday at 4 p.m., the 9/11 Tribute Center hosts “We Were There,” a public program, which invites Tribute Center guides to share their personal stories about 9/11. After a moderator sets the historic context for the event, visitors and audience members are invited to discuss and reflect back on the stories. To attend, visitors must first purchase tickets to the 9/11 Memorial Museum.


7. 9/11 Reflections Concert

The 9/11 Reflections Concert, taking place on September 11, 2016, from 4:00-5:00 p.m., is a collaborative program, featuring vocal and orchestral music, an art exhibition and poetry readings. Directed by Daniel Brondel, the event will be held inside St. Malachy’s Church on 239 W 49th Street. A portion of the proceeds from the tickets ($25 in advance/$35 at the door) will go to supporting a 9/11 charity.


8. NYPD 9/11 Parade

Photo: Benjamin Kanter/Mayoral Photo Office

On Friday, Sept. 9, from noon to 3 p.m., the NYPD will lead a parade through Lower Manhattan, starting on lower Broadway, near the Wall Street Bull. The event will end at the NYPD’s Police Memorial Wall in honor of the 23 officers who lost their lives during the attacks, and the 99 who passed away from 9/11 health-related illnesses.

9. Search for 9/11 Artifacts and Memorials Around NYC

The 9/11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center holds a wide array of artifacts from the attacks, including two steel “Tridents” from the Twin Towers, but it’s not the only place to see such items. Aside from the museum, visitors can also pay their respects at public spaces and memorials around New York City. Check out this list for a roundup of accessible places, such as the Survivor Tree at Memorial Plaza.


10. FDNY Memorial Service

In honor of the 343 members of the FDNY who lost their lives during the attacks, the New York City Fire Museum will hold a memorial service at 1 p.m., on Sunday, September 11. The museum will also be open, free of charge, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day.

See inside the wonderful New York City Fire Museum here.

Next, check out The Top 10 Secrets of the 9/11 Memorial in NYC and Remembering 9/11: A Timeline of the World Trade Center Site NYC. Keep up with the author @heysuehey.

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