September 11, 2001, stands as one of the nation’s darkest days. Many honor the 2,977 lives lost in the terror attacks at the World Trade Center, near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon—whether through donations to The Never Forget Fund, which supports educational initiatives that keep the stories of 9/11 alive, or by creating memorials of remembrance.
Few demonstrated as much bravery as the first responders in New York City.
On that tragic day, the Fire Department of the City of New York lost 343 members, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey lost 37, and the New York Police Department lost 23 officers. Many others continue to suffer from illnesses related to the events of 9/11.
This year, the City of New York announced on social media that 39 additional names have been added to the FDNY World Trade Center Memorial Wall.
These heroes lost their lives due to illnesses linked to the 9/11 rescue and recovery efforts. They paid the ultimate price for their courage and dedication, and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
According to a New York City photographer, the Tribute in Light shines above Lower Manhattan and One World Trade Center, as viewed from the Empire State Building.
Although there are two Tribute Lights side by side, they appear as one from this angle in Manhattan.
Kopp told his more than 92,000 followers on X (formerly known as Twitter) that every year, on the night of September 11, two powerful beams of light rise from Lower Manhattan into the sky.
Known as the Tribute in Light, this breathtaking memorial honors the lives lost in the 2001 attacks. The twin beams mirror the shape and position of the Twin Towers, symbolizing both absence and resilience.
Initially presented on March 11, 2002, six months after the attacks, the tribute was meant to be temporary.
However, its overwhelming impact led to it becoming an annual tradition. The lights consist of 88 xenon spotlights that project 4 miles into the sky, making it the most powerful light projection on Earth.
On clear nights, pilots have spotted it from as far as 60 miles away.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated crew of lighting specialists, electricians, and volunteers works tirelessly each year to ensure the tribute shines flawlessly from dusk to dawn on September 11.
The Tribute in Light is not just a memorial; it is a beacon—a reminder that even in the darkest times, light will always rise.
Visit the Tribute Hall in STEM City USA, which works in conjunction with its outreach partners to raise awareness of resources that support educational programs sharing the stories of 9/11.
September 11, 2001, marked one of our nation’s darkest days. Few responded as bravely as New York City’s first responders.
That day, the @FDNY lost 343, @PANYNJ lost 37, NYPD lost 23, and many others continue to suffer from illnesses related to 9/11.
We will #NeverForget. pic.twitter.com/mHljkmYfGZ
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) September 11, 2025
This year, 39 additional names have been added to the FDNY World Trade Center Memorial Wall.
These heroes lost their lives to illnesses linked to the 9/11 rescue and recovery efforts. They died because of their courage and dedication, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/lTEtUD1ATY
— City of New York (@nycgov) September 10, 2025
Testing the 9/11 Tribute Lights Tonight in New York City. There are 2 Tribute Lights side by side. From this angle in Manhattan, it appears as one.
Every year on the night of September 11, two powerful beams of light rise from Lower Manhattan into the sky. ✨ Known as the… pic.twitter.com/rX7QS2nAkb
— NewYorkCityKopp (@newyorkcitykopp) September 9, 2025
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