At Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, a somber and heartfelt tribute was held to honor the victims of 9/11. The event provided a peaceful space for Brooklynites to remember and reflect on the lives lost on that tragic day. More than 100 victims of 9/11 are laid to rest at the cemetery, including those who perished on September 11, 2001, and others who succumbed to Ground Zero-related illnesses in the years following the attacks.
The memorial was a departure from traditional ceremonies, with no grand speeches or high-profile figures in attendance. Instead, attendees gathered among the gravestones as the sun set over the Manhattan skyline. Musician George Stass performed soulful renditions of songs, setting a poignant atmosphere for the evening.
Organizers Gabrielle Gatto and Theresa Wozunk worked closely with the 9/11 Museum and Memorial to plan the event, which centered around the Tribute in Light. The ceremony aimed to provide a safe and peaceful space for New Yorkers to pay their respects in a more intimate setting than the bustling museum.
For many New Yorkers, especially those who have experienced loss, large memorials can be overwhelming. Green-Wood Cemetery offered a serene environment for people to grieve collectively and find solace. The event was a continuation of the cemetery’s role as a community space, where visitors can find comfort and reflection amidst nature.
One attendee, Matt Pinner, shared his experience of moving to New York City from Colorado and the importance of acknowledging the significance of 9/11 with his family. The memorial provided an opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together and mourn as a community. Similarly, attendee Andrew Schneider, who recently lost his father, found solace in holding space for the victims of 9/11 and their families.
The reading of names, including those of Brooklyn firefighters and other individuals, evoked powerful emotions and memories. The fuzzy quality of old VHS tapes, reminiscent of the news footage from 9/11, served as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of the attacks. The Tribute in Light, visible from Green-Wood, illuminated the night sky, symbolizing hope and remembrance.
In addition to honoring the victims, the ceremony paid tribute to the cemetery workers who played a vital role during and after 9/11. These “last responders” showed immense compassion and strength as they laid victims to rest, a duty they also fulfilled during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The dedication and resilience of these workers were celebrated as an integral part of Green-Wood’s history.
As attendees gathered to remember and reflect on the lives lost, the memorial at Green-Wood Cemetery served as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of 9/11 and the importance of coming together to honor and remember those we have lost.
