#9/11 ‘Tribute in Light’ memorial in NYC canceled amid COVID-19 concerns

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The twin light beam 9/11 memorial in 2019.
Paul Martinka

The iconic Lower Manhattan 9/11 memorial display that features twin beams of light to honor victims of the terror attacks will not shine this year over coronavirus concerns, organizers said Thursday.

The annual “Tribute in Light” display requires a large crew to pull off, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum said on its website, posing health risks this year that “were far too great.”

The museum said it was an “incredibly difficult decision” to nix the lights, but announced an alternative citywide initiative to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

The new plan, dubbed the “Tribute in Lights,” will feature buildings across the city lighting up their facades and spires in blue on 9/11.

“In a spirit of unity and remembrance, the city will come together for a “Tribute in Lights” to inspire the world and honor the promise to never forget,” the museum said.

“Many iconic New York City buildings will be lighting their spires and facades in blue to honor those killed on 9/11.”

The decision to cancel the “Tribute in Light” memorial comes after the museum this year also scrapped the in-person reading of 9/11 victims at the annual Ground Zero ceremony.

But last week, a nonprofit, The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, announced their own separate Lower Manhattan ceremony where select family members of 9/11 victims will be permitted to read the names of their loved ones.