New York City marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks by recreating the Twin Towers using 2,977 illuminated drones over New York Harbor. The display, titled "2,977 Lights Over New York Harbor," formed the outline of the towers on Wednesday night, with each drone symbolizing one victim of the attacks.
The memorial was developed in collaboration with survivors, victims' family members, and first responders. Among those involved in organizing the tribute were Brenda Berkman, a New York City Fire Department first responder, and Terry Strada, president of 9/11 Families United. Family members of victims Tom Strada and Stephen Siller also contributed to the organization of the display, which was funded by private philanthropy.
The drone display ran alongside the city's established Tribute in Light, an annual memorial that uses 88 powerful searchlights to project columns of light into the sky, recreating the shape of the fallen towers. Tribute in Light was first held in 2002 and is organized by the Municipal Art Society of New York.
On September 11, 2001, 19 Islamist terrorists hijacked four passenger planes. Two planes were flown into the Twin Towers, causing their collapse, while another struck the Pentagon. The fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers and crew attempted to regain control from the hijackers.
The drone commemoration has coincided with controversy surrounding the attendance of New York's first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani. Critics, including some victims' relatives and Republicans, have questioned Mamdani's participation due to his appointment of Ramzi Kassem as the city's chief legal counsel. Kassem previously represented a convicted al-Qaeda member whose brother-in-law was involved in the September 11 attacks.
Mamdani defended his presence, stating, "I'm proud to be the Mayor of this city. I love this city. I love this country. And what I want this week is there to be a focus on the families whose loved ones were stolen from them 25 years ago in the horrific act of terror of September 11th, and a focus also on the first responders who gave everything they could to this city and to the people who came together to try and help their fellow New Yorkers."
Terry Strada, wife of victim Tom Strada, expressed her sentiments: "For my husband, Tom, and for all the beautiful souls we lost on September 11, may these lights carry their memory upward and remind the world that even in our darkest hour, their light still shines. To illuminate the sky is to remind a new generation not only of all we lost, but of who we became in the aftermath, one nation united in grief, in love, and in resolve, rising together from the ashes."
Former President Donald Trump is not scheduled to attend the Manhattan event, according to reports. Trump reportedly desired to deliver a speech, but organizers did not permit political speeches. He plans to commemorate the anniversary at the Pentagon, while Vice President J.D. Vance is expected to represent the White House in New York.