Family members, politicians gather at dual 9/11 memorial services for 19th anniversary of World Trade Center terrorist attack
Larry McShane
The names of 9/11′s 2,983 dead echoed twice Friday through Lower Manhattan: Live and pre-recorded.
The annual Ground Zero memorial, marking the 19th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, was joined by a nearby second remembrance launched in protest over the use of taped voices to recite the litany of victims' names read each year — the emotional centerpiece of the sad event for many who vowed to “never forget.”
Still-mourning family members and colleagues of the victims returned once more on Sept. 11 to make good on their promise at the site where Al Qaeda terrorist hijackers slammed two commercials jets into the 110-story Twin Towers on a sun-splashed morning. Others opted for the alternative event, organized by a group named for a firefighter killed in the rubble.
Sgt. Edwin Morales salutes a memorial he erected for his father, firefighter Ruben David, during the 19th 9/11 Commemoration at the 9/11 Memorial in Manhattan, New York Friday, September 11. (Barry Williams/)
The schism followed the decision to use pre-recorded voices in deference to the COVID-19 pandemic, setting set off a furor among the 9/11 community as the nation struggles with coronavirus and a vast political divide.
While the sad sound of bagpipes played as the names were played through the speakers at the 9/11 Memorial Plaza, the second memorial featured the victims' names read live by participants as a pointed rebuke to the format change.
“I find it disgraceful that their names are being recited (and) pre-recorded,” said ex-mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was in office when the attack occurred.
George Kousolis holds a sign honoring his daughter during the 19th 9/11 Commemoration at the 9/11 Memorial in Manhattan, New York Friday. (Barry Williams/)
The remembrance began at 8:40 a.m. at the 9/11 Memorial Plaza, where thousands of relatives and guests were asked to socially distance across its eight acres. Most in the crowd wore face masks as they gathered in Lower Manhattan.
They once again clutched signs remembering the dead, and placed roses near their lost loved one’s names engraved on the two reflecting pools created in the shadow of the new World Trade Center.
The pre-recorded names of the victims played against a mournful musical backdrop, including a performance of “Amazing Grace.”
Joining the local dignitaries at the somber service were Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his wife Jill, along with Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen. Gov. Cuomo, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, Rep. Chuck Schumer, former mayor Mike Bloomberg and Mayor de Blasio were also in attendance.
“I’m not gonna make any news today," Biden told reporters. "I’m not going to talk about anything other than 9/11 ... It’s a solemn day. That’s how we’re going to keep it.”
Cuomo approached family members to offer his condolences through a fence: “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for your loss.” Biden addressed a 90-year-old woman sitting in a wheelchair while clutching a photo of her 9/11 victim son.
“It never goes away,” said Biden after taking the photo for a closer look, with the woman repeating his words. Biden’s first wife and their daughter were killed in a car wreck, and his son Beau died of brain cancer.
Democratic candidate for President and former Vice President Joe Biden talks with Vice President Mike Pence during the 19th 9/11 Commemoration at the 9/11 Memorial in Manhattan, New York Friday. (Barry Williams/)
Pence and his wife then attended the alternate memorial created by the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, formed in memory of an FDNY hero who died with 342 colleagues on 9/11.
The vice president read the Bible’s 23rd Psalm, while Karen Pence read a passage from the Book of Ecclesiastes.
“For the families of the lost and friends they left behind, I pray these ancient words will comfort your heart and others,” said the vice president, drawing applause from the audience.
Democratic candidate for President and former Vice President and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo talk during the 19th 9/11 Commemoration at the 9/11 Memorial in Manhattan. (Barry Williams/)
The pandemic created other probems for the memorial. The FDNY recommended its workers avoid this year’s events due to coronavirus concerns. And the 9/11 museum came under fire after initially canceling, and then reversing, a decision to cancel the annual “Tribute In Light” at Ground Zero.
Karen Swift, whose brother Thomas was killed while working at Morgan Stanley in the south tower, was among those opting for the new event.
A PAPD officer plays taps to end the 19th 9/11 Commemoration at the 9/11 Memorial in Manhattan, New York Friday. (Barry Williams/)
“We still have to remember,” said Swift, who wore a T-shirt honoring her brother. “The whole country’s going downhill. It’s one thing after another, and now with the COVID. I’m glad they’re still having this, though."
Arlene Russo Marsh and her family honor her son during the 19th 9/11 Commemoration at the 9/11 Memorial in Manhattan, New York Friday. (Barry Williams/)
The Ground Zero ceremony began with an honor guard of FDNY, NYPD and Port Authority police carrying American flags, with bagpipers representing the three agencies marching behind.
Moments of silence were observed at 8:46 a.m. and 9:03 a.m., the times when the two hijacked planes slammed into the towers, and again at 9:59 a.m. for the collapse of the south tower and 10:28 a.m. for the fall of the north tower.