Today marks the eleventh anniversary of September 11th, a day that changed the lives of many and will be remembered forever by all.
At exactly 8:46 am, American Airlines Flight 11 flew directly into the North Tower of the World Trade Center, killing all 87 victims aboard along with the thousands trapped inside the building and scattered on the streets. 17 minutes later, United Airlines Flight 175 hit the South Tower of the World Trade Center, sending all 107 stories crashing to the ground. Millions watched silently, mouths agape, while the realization of the terrorist attack sunk in. Those in New York City either ran from the crash or hid from the smoke that washed over the island.
As the years go by and 9/11 becomes more of a distant tragedy than a fresh wound, the importance of keeping the memory alive and actively dedicating the day to remembering grows increasingly stronger. There are many powerful ways to pay tribute to 9/11 this year in New York City on and around campus, and here are a couple of ways to do so.
1. Participate in the National Day of Service and Remembrance and help those in need by doing community service
2. Join the Interfaith Center of New York and tweet in commemoration of 9/11
3. See the Wall of Light memorial at the Kimmel Center Commuter Lounge, an installation featuring photographs of New York City after 9/11.
4. Visit the National September 11 Memorial Museum on ground zero
5. Go to the World Trade Center site for the Memorial Ceremony and 2012 eleventh anniversary Remembrance
6. Watch for the “Tribute in Light” at sunset, an illuminated memorial visible from up to 30 miles away, the strongest light projected into the night sky
7. Attend morning services, Prayers for Peace, and the ringing of the Bell of Hope at Trinity Church in St. Paul’s Chapel on Broadway at Wall Street to remember the victims of 9/11
8. Stop by the Josie Roberston Plaza at Lincoln Center to watch the performance of The Table of Silence Project, a dance and prayer for peace.
Being at the heart of the attack enables us to make it a priority to dedicate this day to those who walked these very streets, breathed this New York City air, and called this island their home. Let us make a promise today to keep 9/11 from being just another tragic event in history, always remembering and forever keeping the memory of the lives lost in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.