After facing public outrage, the “Tribute in Light” is back on. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum reversed last Thursday’s decision to cancel the event.
Alice Greenwald, CEO of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, released a statement on the decision. “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,” Greenwald said.
The annual commemoration features twin beams of shining light over Ground Zero. The Museum initially chose to cancel the event for fear of exposing some 40 electrical workers to COVID-19.
Cancelling the event outraged many in New York and across the country. In response, the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation offered to create the same light show.
Furthermore, electricians from years past volunteered to erect the light show. The firefighter and police unions also offered their support.
‘Tribute in Light’ is Back, New York Politicians Speak Out
Former mayor Michael Bloomberg, chairman of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, praised the decision to bring back the event. In a statement, Bloomberg said: “Throughout my tenure as Mayor the Tribute in Light was a powerful symbol of New York’s recovery after 911. I am pleased that once again it will shine this year as a beacon of our city’s resilience,” New York Post reports.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo also weighed in the memorial. “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,” Cuomo said.
He continued by saying: “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.”
[H/T New York Post]
