On the sixth month anniversary of the fateful day, September 11, 2011 the Tribute in Light memorial began. Many of us New Yorkers who'd still been reeling from the terrorist attacks half a year earlier thought this tribute to be such a touching way of celebrating the memory of the World Trade Center Buildings and the many lives lost.

Since that first day on March 11, 2002 the Lights have been shown into the sky every One Year Anniversary from Dusk September 11 to Dawn on the following day. Yours truly has had the fine opportunity of not only witnessing the lights from afar but as well from the very base at which they originate. I can't begin to tell you about the great emotional impact the Tribute in Light has upon me.

It is the Municipal Art Society of New York (MASNY) that produces this tribute and is as well a co-founder alongside Creative Time.

The following mind you is information as provided by MASNY. The beams themselves are each comprised of 44 large 7,000-watt searchlights arranged in a 48 foot square. Each beam rises four miles into the sky and can be seen as far away as 60 miles. Not only have I found myself at the base of these lights but as well within the square shape formed by one of the pairs. Looking straight up one sees what can best be described as a star. Upon first entering the square shaped group of lights the very thing which entered my mind was "This can't be" but the only words which came out of my mouth were, "Oh My God". Quite the experience. Is it any wonder these lights are just as awe inspiring far away as they are closeup? That is, as they well should be considering why they're there.

It's with great hope that we wish for the lights to reappear every single year, indefinitely year even beyond the completion of the WTC construction.

“Tribute in Light” was designed by John Bennett, Gustavo Bonevardi, Richard Nash Gould, Julian Laverdiere and Paul Myoda with lighting consultant Paul Marantz. The annual installation and projection is produced by Michael Ahern.

Tribute in Light is Produced by:
THE MUNICIPAL ART SOCIETY OF NEW YORK
CO-FOUNDERS: The Municipal Art Society of New York and Creative Time
LIGHTING DESIGN: John Bennett, Gustavo Bonevardi, Richard Nash Gould, Julian Laverdiere and
Paul Myoda with lighting consultant Paul Marantz
INSTALLATION AND PROJECTION: Michael Ahern Production Services, Inc.
FIRST PRESENTED: March 11, 2002