As the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks approaches, Brooklyn communities will come together throughout the month to remember those who died, honor first responders and reflect on the lasting impact of that day.
From memorial ceremonies and candlelight vigils to music and opportunities to view the annual Tribute in Light, events across the borough will commemorate the anniversary and give Brooklynites a chance to gather in remembrance.
Asser Levy Park memorial — Sept. 6
The September 11 Family Group will host its annual commemoration ceremony at the September 11 Memorial Square in Asser Levy Park on Sept. 6.
The ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. at Surf Avenue and West Fifth Street. The memorial will open to visitors at noon.
A large screen will display the names of all 2,983 victims of 9/11. The ceremony will include Color Guard presentations, the National Anthem, candle lighting, a minute of silence, a flower-laying ceremony, classical music and speeches from clergy, 9/11 family members and supporters of the memorial.
Hundreds of participants are expected to attend.
A Light and a Prayer: Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance — Sept. 10
The Brooklyn 9/11 Wall of Remembrance will host its annual “A Light and a Prayer” Candlelight Ceremony at Maimonides Park, 1904 Surf Ave., on Thursday, Sept. 10.
Special music honoring and celebrating the lives of heroic responders will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the candlelight ceremony at 7 p.m. Organizers said that “all are welcome to light a candle, say a prayer, share memories and pay their respects. Candles will be provided.”
Green-Wood Cemetery’s Tribute in Light viewing — Sept. 11
Green-Wood Cemetery will mark the anniversary with “Notes of Tribute: Viewing the 9/11 Memorial Lights,” a free evening of remembrance overlooking the Tribute in Light.
More than 100 people who died on Sept. 11 or from related illnesses in the years that followed are interred at Green-Wood. The event will honor them and the 2,977 people killed in the attacks while reflecting on the lasting impact of Sept. 11.
Attendees will meet at 7 p.m. at Green-Wood’s Gothic Arch near the cemetery’s main entrance at Fifth Avenue and 25th Street before making their way to one of the cemetery’s hills overlooking the Manhattan skyline.
The evening will feature words of remembrance, intimate live music and a moment of silence in front of Green-Wood’s Historic Chapel. The event runs from 7 to 9 p.m. and is free, with registration recommended.
“Twenty-five years later, September 11th remains part of the life of this city and of Green-Wood,” Meera Joshi, president of The Green-Wood Cemetery, said in a statement. “More than 100 people laid to rest here died in the attacks or from related illnesses, and each represents a family and a community changed by that day. Green-Wood is proud to offer New Yorkers a place to remember them together, as the ‘Tribute in Light’ rises over the city.”
American Veterans Memorial Pier Vigil — Sept. 11
NIA Community Services Network, in partnership with State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Council Member Kayla Santosuosso, will host a remembrance vigil on the corner of 69th St. and Shore Road. Starting at 7 p.m., attendees will “come together to honor those we lost and stand in reverence with their loved ones.”
Mill Basin Civic Association Memorial — Sept. 11
The Mill Basin Civic Association will hold its annual memorial honoring the heroes of Sept. 11 on Friday, Sept. 11.
The 25th anniversary memorial will make stops at three locations in Mill Basin: honoring Firefighter Michael Roberts at Avenue L and East 53rd Street at 8:30 a.m.; honoring Firefighter Gerald T. Atwood at East 57th Street and Avenue M, at the Mary Queen of Heaven Church corner, at 8:50 a.m.; and honoring Firefighter Gregory T. Saucedo at Avenue T and East 57th Street, at the Fillmore Avenue Triangle, at 9:15 a.m.
“All are welcome to join MBCA in our annual memorial,” according to the event information.
“Bring a loved one, a friend, or a neighbor, and join us as we reflect, remember, and pay tribute to those who have served and those we hold in our hearts,” organizers said. “This gathering is a moment for our community to come together in gratitude, unity, and remembrance.”
Marine Park Alliance community service project — Sept. 11
Thanks to a 9/11 grant, the Marine Park Alliance invited Brooklynites to spend the day “transforming the anniversary of September 11 into America’s largest day of doing good.”
Participants will complete a community service project in the park to “carry forward a legacy of caring and remembrance.” Those interested can complete the required registration here.
Brooklyn Youth Chorus concert — Sept. 16-19
Brooklyn Youth Chorus will join the New York Philharmonic for performances of John Adams’ “On the Transmigration of Souls” from Sept. 16-19 at David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center.
The work was written in honor of the heroes and in memory of those killed in the Sept. 11 attacks. The upcoming performances will mark the 25th anniversary of the attacks and 24 years since Brooklyn Youth Chorus and the New York Philharmonic premiered the piece in September 2002.
This year’s performances will feature a new generation of choristers, many of whom were born after 9/11. The Chorus is also reconnecting current singers with alumni who performed in the 2002 premiere.
Reflecting on the original performance, Brooklyn Youth Chorus alumna Jasmine Thomas said, “I felt as if I was bringing something positive to the world despite the chaos and immense grief of 9/11, and I think we were incredibly brave to sing about a topic so grave and deep. I don’t think many young artists can say that they had the opportunity to participate in something so important.”
