NEW YORK — The night sky above New York Harbor glowed Wednesday as a drone display paid tribute to the lives lost in the Sept. 11 terror attacks, ahead of the 25th anniversary commemoration.
The public artwork, called “2,977 Lights Over New York Harbor,” used 2,977 individual lights to represent each person killed on 9/11. Rising over the water, the lights gradually formed the outline of the Twin Towers, recreated at full architectural scale.
Organizers said the commemorative installation was created in close collaboration with members of the 9/11 community, including victims’ relatives, survivors and first responders.
The project was introduced before Friday’s anniversary observance as a free public event intended to encourage remembrance, reflection and unity.
Organizers said the aerial tribute was guided by a range of voices connected to Sept. 11, including Brenda Berkman, an FDNY first responder and artist; Tim Brown, an FDNY first responder in both 1993 and 2001; Terry Strada, president of 9/11 Families United and widow of Tom Strada; Jim Smith, whose wife, NYPD Officer Moira Smith, was killed in the attacks; and Genevieve Siller, daughter of Stephen Siller.
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