Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Governor George E. Pataki announced New York City's plans to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the September 11th attack. As with previous ceremonies, the observance will take place at the World Trade Center site on the morning of Sunday, September 11th. Siblings will play a large role in this year's ceremony by reading the names of the victims, while music will provide a backdrop throughout the program. The ceremony will pause at four moments - twice to mark the times that each plane hit the towers, and twice to mark the time when each tower fell. The first moment of silence will be at 8:46 AM and houses of worship will be asked to toll their bells at that time. While the names are read, family members will be able to descend the ramp to the lowest level of the site where they may lay flowers. The ceremony will conclude at approximately noon, however, the site will remain open to families until 4:00 PM.
At sundown, the "Tribute in Light" will return for one night on September 11th, in memory of those lost and as a symbol of the spirit of our community. The "Tribute in Light" will be located at a new site this year at West and Morris Streets in Lower Manhattan.
"As New York City's renewal continues, we pause on the anniversary of that terrible day in September of 2001 to remember those we lost, and to reaffirm our commitment to honor their lives - both by rebuilding Lower Manhattan and by creating a beautiful memorial that will touch millions of hearts," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Sadly, the unconscionable acts of terrorism perpetrated against New Yorkers and Americans on September 11th continue to be carried out in other parts of the world, and our prayers go out to the families and victims. On the fourth anniversary of the September 11th attack here in New York City, we plan to mark this solemn occasion by asking siblings to take the lead in this year's ceremony. In this small way, we acknowledge the special bonds they share with their beloved brothers and sisters who died that day."
"Time will never dull the grief of those who lost their loved ones on that tragic day, nor will it diminish our dedication to remembering our heroes and ensuring that a fitting memorial rises in their name," said Governor Pataki. "As we approach the fourth anniversary of September 11, 2001, we will particularly remember the siblings of those who were lost, as they have the privilege of honoring their loved ones at this year's ceremony. On September 11, 2005, there will be, as there has been each year, a statewide moment of silence and ringing of bells at 8:46 AM, so that people from all over New York State, indeed, across America and the world, can take a moment to remember the heroes we lost and the spirit of freedom that prevailed on that day. It is a spirit of freedom that will endure always, on the site of the World Trade Center, and in our hearts."
As with previous commemoration events, priority will be given to the families of those who died on September 11th but public access will be permitted as space allows. Information about access, transportation and other logistics for the day will be disseminated to the families through the Mayor's Community Assistance Unit.
