Port Authority to Hold Series of Solemn Events Commemorating 20th Anniversary of 9/11
In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will be hosting a plethora of events at the iconic former site as well as at locations throughout New York City.
The agency will also observe moments of silence at its crossings at 8:46 a.m. and 9:03 a.m. marking the moments when each of the two towers were struck. Wreaths will be placed at the New York and New Jersey entrances to the Holland Tunnel and flags at all Port Authority facilities will be flown at half-staff in memory of the thousands who were killed.
Below is a sampling of the memorial activities.
Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021
Port Authority Memorial Garden Dedication
Time: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Liberty Park (Liberty Street east of St. Nicholas Church)
Event Description: Port Authority will establish a Memorial Garden on the World Trade Center campus that will be dedicated to fallen Port Authority first responders and rescue/recovery workers. The Garden will be located directly to the east of the Saint Nicholas Greek Church & National Shrine and adjacent to the steps leading up to Liberty Park on Liberty Street.
Friday, Sept. 10, 2021
9/11 Boatlift Commemoration with Harbor Carriers of the Port, U.S. Coast Guard and the Port Authority
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Location: American Merchant Mariners Monument Battery Park
Event Description: A procession of 30 to 60 vessels and a blessing of the fleet in Battery Park and New York Harbor to honor those who were rescued during the largest sealift in history: the boatlift of 9/11 when more than 500,000 people stranded in lower Manhattan after the attacks were transported across the harbor to safety.
Water cannons will honor the vessels and U.S. mariners during the procession as they pass Battery Park and the Statue of Liberty. Adm. Karl K. Schultz, the United States Coast Guard Commandant, will be in attendance and Rick Larabee, a retired director of the Port Authority’s Port Department, will speak during the ceremony.
Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021
Port Authority Interfaith Remembrance Service
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: North Oculus Plaza, corner of Church and Fulton Streets
Masks will be required for all attendees.
A video of the service will also be available at www.panynj.gov.
Event Description: As part of an annual tradition of remembrance, the agency will honor the 84 colleagues lost on 9/11 with an Interfaith Remembrance Service. The agency will reflect on the memory of these cherished friends and colleagues, including the 37 members of the Port Authority Police who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of saving lives. This occasion will also honor those who perished in the 1993 WTC bombing.
Tribute in Lights
Time: Dusk until dawn
Location: Oculus, One World Trade Center, 7 World Trade Center, Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center
Event Description: Buildings will be lit blue across the New York area as part of the Tribute in Lights, including One World Trade Center, 7 World Trade Center, the Oculus and the Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center.
Website: https://www.911memorial.org/visit/memorial/tribute-light
Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021
March of the 9/11 Recovery Workers and Closing Ceremony
Time: 7:30 to 10:00 a.m. (ceremony 9:30 to 10:00 a.m.)
Location: North Moore and Greenwich Streets to South Oculus Plaza
Event Description: March by members of HEART 9/11, the NY Building Trades, and BTEA Contractors in honor of the 9/11 recovery workers.
Website: https://www.classy.org/event/usd20-for-20-years-walk-fundraiser/e335594/
Stars of Hope 9/11 Family Resilience Paint Project
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Fulton Street (outside Oculus, close to Greenwich Street)
Event Description: A family-friendly paint event inside the “Hope Bus” parked on Fulton Street, outside the Oculus.
Website: https://starsofhopeusa.org/9-11-project/
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021
Paul Taylor Dance Company’s Promethean Fire
Time: 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. (2 performances)
Location: Main level of the Oculus
Event Description: The Paul Taylor Dance Company will perform Mr. Taylor’s masterpiece “Promethean Fire” as a gift to New Yorkers on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11. Created in the aftermath of 9/11, this dance poignantly echoes the overwhelming tragedy of the event, the memory of those we lost, and the city’s spectacular demonstration of courage. It reminds us all that even after turmoil and devastation, the human spirit will ultimately find power in community, renewal, and hope.