The beautiful 9/11 Tribute In Light memorial has illuminated the New York City skyline for 15 years. Created by artists Paul Myoda and Julian LaVerdiere, the commemorative public art installation not only honors the memory of those killed during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, but “celebrates the unbreakable spirit of New York.”
When the two blue beams of light came on for the first time on March 11, 2002, Myoda told People that it was a very peaceful atmosphere. “When the lights appeared for the first time, it was one of the most peaceful and silent events I had ever witnessed,” he said. “Until that night, I don’t recall ever being in New York and hearing so little. When the lights were on, everything seemed to stop. It was incredibly quiet.” LaVerdiere added that Tribute In Light was meant to be “a symbol of remembrance and peace.”
The tribute shines from dusk until dawn and is visible within a 60-mile radius, according to the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum. In the days leading up to the 16th anniversary of 9/11 on Monday, tests lit the night sky. The Tribute In Light memorial can be seen anywhere from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Manhattan skyline and even the Empty Sky memorial in New Jersey.
Take a look at some of the most stunning photos of the Tribute In Light memorial below:
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What is your favorite photo of the 9/11 “Tribute In Light” memorial? Have you ever visited the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City? Sound off in the comments section below!
Photo credit: Anthony Quintano, Wikimedia Commons