‘Tribute in Light’: An illuminated night sky over New York City to mark 24 years of 9/11 attacks

Artists John Bennett, Gustavo Boneverdi, Richard Nash Gould, Julian LaVerdiere, and Paul Myoda created the installation in 2002, six months after the Twin Towers fell. Since then, the lights have switched on every year at dusk on September 11 and stayed on until dawn the next day.

The artists built the installation in 2002, six months after the Twin Towers fell. (Source: X/@ABC)

Ceremonies across the country

At Ground Zero, family members will read the names of victims, joined by Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance. Ceremonies at the Pentagon honour the 184 people killed there, with President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump in attendance before they head to the Bronx for a Yankees game.

In Shanksville, Pennsylvania, officials and families will gather at the Flight 93 memorial with Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins.

Families and service

James Lynch, who lost his father at the World Trade Center, said his family plans to attend a local New Jersey ceremony before spending the day at the beach. The day before, they joined volunteers in Manhattan to pack meals for the needy. “It’s one of those things where any kind of grief, I don’t think it ever goes away,” he said. “Finding joy in it has been a huge part of my growth.”

Thousands across the country will also take part in food drives, park cleanups, and blood donations as part of the annual 9/11 Day of Service.

The aftermath of the attack

The attacks on September 11 2001 shaped US foreign policy for decades and continues to affect the lives of survivors, first responders, and families exposed to the toxic dust in Lower Manhattan. More than 1.4 lakh people remain enrolled in health monitoring programmes intended to identify those with health conditions potentially linked to hazardous materials at the soot.

At the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, two pools with waterfalls sit where the towers once stood. The Trump administration has considered making the site a national monument, which would shift control from the current charity chaired by Michael Bloomberg.

(With inputs from AP)