New York City’s iconic 9/11 Tribute in Light is back on.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Saturday that the tribute, involving dozens of spotlights pointed into the air to create the image of two large beams, will be happening this year after the 9/11 Memorial and Museum said it would be canceled over coronavirus concerns.
Cuomo said New York’s government would assist with the tribute’s safe installation.
“NYS will provide health personnel & supervision so that @Sept11Memorial can mount the Tribute in Light safely. I am glad that we can continue this powerful tribute to those we lost on 9/11 and to the heroism of all New Yorkers,” Cuomo said. “Honoring our 9/11 heroes is a cherished tradition. The twin towers of light signify hope, resiliency, promise and are a visual representation of #NewYorkTough.”
Cuomo also thanked former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the museum’s chairman, for his assistance with the tribute.
The museum initially said the intensive process of setting up the display involves dozens of stagehands who usually work in close proximity to one another and announced the cancellation “after concluding the health risks during the pandemic were far too great for the large crew required,” according to CBS New York.
COVID-19 cases in New York have declined dramatically since April. In total, however, the state has had about 430,000 confirmed infections and at least 32,400 deaths.
Honoring our 9/11 heroes is a cherished tradition.
The twin towers of light signify hope, resiliency, promise and are a visual representation of #NewYorkTough.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) August 15, 2020
