Cuomo: NY will provide personnel to let Sept. 11 'Tribute in Light' shine on

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Saturday that New York state will provide health personnel to allow the annual tribute to Sept. 11 victims to "happen safely."

News 12 Staff

Aug 15, 2020, 7:48 PM

Updated 1,593 days ago

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Cuomo: NY will provide personnel to let Sept. 11 'Tribute in Light' shine on
The Tribute in Light that honors those lost on Sept. 11 will shine into the skies above Manhattan this year after all.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Saturday that New York state will provide health personnel to allow the annual tribute to Sept. 11 victims to "happen safely."
It comes after the annual tribute was canceled by the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, which had cited safety concerns for the crews who organize the display amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The cancellation had provoked disappointment and dismay, including among groups that represent first responders. The Tunnels to Towers Foundation had said it would arrange for its own Tribute in Light display.
But on Saturday, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum president confirmed in a statement that the annual tribute was poised to proceed after all.
"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," Museum President Alice Greenwald said in a statement. "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, Gov. 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.“
"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," Gov. Cuomo said in a statement. "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."
The governor's statement added, "We will never forget."