Governor Cuomo Announces New York State will Provide Health Personnel to Allow 9/11 Tribute in Light Show to Happen Safely
NY Governor Andrew Cuomo made an announcement today regarding the annual 9/11 Tribute in Light. He stated that the state would provide health personnel needed to ensure the safety of those involved in the annual lighting which would take place on September 11, 2020.
His response came two days after that of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum which declared the cancellation of this year’s commemoration. Their site announced, on August 13, that due to COVID-19 health concerns for the required crew, the event would not be taking place.
For anyone unfamiliar, the lights are made of two squares. each comprised of 44 refrigerator sized lights arranged in an organized symmetrical pattern.
The Tribute in Light has taken place every year on the anniversary date of the original September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on America.
The following is the Governor’s statement:
“This year it is especially important that we all appreciate and commemorate 9/11, the lives lost, and the heroism displayed as New Yorkers are once again called upon to face a common enemy. I understand the Museum’s concern for health and safety, and appreciate their reconsideration. The state will provide health personnel to supervise to make sure the event is held safely while at the same time properly honoring 9/11. We will never forget.”
Below is the update furnished by the 9/11 Memorial & Museum through their latest newsletter:
Statement from 9/11 Memorial & Museum President and CEO, Alice M. Greenwald
“For the last eight years the 9/11 Memorial & Museum has produced the Tribute in Light and we recognize the profound meaning it has for so many New Yorkers. This year, its message of hope, endurance, and resilience are more important than ever.In the last 24 hours we’ve had conversations with many interested parties and believe we will be able to stage the tribute in a safe and appropriate fashion.
I want to particularly thank Mike Bloomberg, Governor Cuomo and the Lower Manhattan Development Corp for their assistance in offsetting the increased costs associated with the health and safety considerations around the tribute this year and the technical support of so many that will enable the Tribute to be a continuing source of comfort to families and an inspiration to the world going forward.“
Statement from Michael Bloomberg, Chairman, 9/11 Memorial & Museum
“Throughout my tenure as Mayor the Tribute in Light was a powerful symbol of New York’s recovery after 9/11. I am pleased that once again it will shine this year as a beacon of our city’s resilience.”