25 years later, 9/11 continues to be an essential part of Lower Manhattan’s story. As the neighborhood grows and changes, its commitment to remembering the people and the stories that shaped it remains the same. This September, take a moment to pause, reflect and join the community in remembering. All month long, neighborhood institutions are offering memorials, ceremonies, performances and community events to honor those who lost their lives, celebrate the courage of first responders and acknowledge the attacks that changed New York forever.
Commemorating at the Memorial
A private ceremony will be held the morning of September 11, where the names of those killed in the attacks will be read aloud, with seven moments of silence throughout the ceremony. While the ceremony is reserved for the families of victims, the public may view it online. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is also honoring the victims of the attacks with the Tribute in Light, a commemorative annual public art installation that shines two beams of light into the night sky where the Twin Towers once stood.
Remember the Sky
Remember the Sky is an annual social media campaign that you can take part in from anywhere in the world. On September 11, post a photo of the sky and tag @911memorial with #neverforget911 and #rememberthesky. There is also a digital Blue Sky Remembrance Wall where everyone is invited to leave a personal tribute or read the moving messages of others.
A Place for Prayer and Reflection
The original St. Nicholas Church was destroyed during the collapse of the second tower, and it was rebuilt as a nondenominational church and shrine. On September 11, the church will hold a 9/11 Commemoration Memorial Service at 3 p.m. for the community to honor the lives lost and offer prayers for healing and unity. Throughout September, the church will also present “Tapestry of Memories,” offering visitors an opportunity to dedicate a tama — an Orthodox Christian devotional object — to honor a loved one. Together, these tributes will create a tapestry symbolizing remembrance and hope.
Listen to the Music
On September 11, PAC NYC will host the “Sounds of Remembrance” concert to commemorate the anniversary, with the New York Philharmonic joining the U.S. Army Field Band Soldiers’ Chorus. In addition, on September 13, PAC NYC will stage “Come from Away in Concert,” a musical telling the true story of the 7,000 passengers whose flights were grounded in a small town in Newfoundland following the attacks. Both of these concerts will be free, with reservations opening soon.
Honoring Those Who Served
FDNY Ten House at 124 Liberty St. was the only fire station inside Ground Zero. It has been rebuilt at the same address with a memorial wall dedicated to the firefighters who lost their lives on that tragic day. On September 11, people can visit the fire station and the memorial to pay their respects.
Running in Their Memory
The Tunnels to Towers Foundation hosts its 5K Run & Walk every year on the last Sunday of September. This year, the run/walk falls on September 27, spanning from Brooklyn to West and Murray streets in Lower Manhattan. The route symbolizes fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller’s journey from the Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers on September 11 and honors the first responders and civilians who lost their lives in the attacks. If you would like to join, registration closes September 20.
Spirit of 9/12
Hosted by Holding Frames, an organization that brings art-based healing to communities impacted by disaster or mass violence, Spirit of 9/12 is a day of community and art celebrating the unity that arose in the wake of the September 11 attacks. You can volunteer to help out with this event as a part of 9/11 Day, or attend as a participant. Either way, this uplifting project is an opportunity to come together and connect.
