Every year the light shines on us in memory of the tragic events that took place on September 11th.  September 11, 2020 the twin columns will not be projected into the sky this year because of Covid-19 concerns for the workers who put it together to make it shine. Instead of the luminous beams, the memorial and museum is planning to honor the anniversary with an alternative that will involve buildings across the city illuminating their spires and facades with blue lights. This illumination will start at dusk on September 11 this year and last until the following dawn.

The beams were first projected on March 11, 2002, six months after the attack, and only three months after fires at the trade center were officially declared extinguished.  Close to 40 stagehands and electricians work in proximity for more than a week as part of producing the tribute.  The source of light consists of 88 specially made Cannon lights, each with a 7,000 watt compressed gas bulb. The lights are powered by generators, are sent out on the roof of a garage on Greenwich Street in two squares of approximately 50 by 50 feet.  

I haven't missed a year photographing the event and the night time sky. These photos will remain timeless for all of those who captured this radiant night sky. These are some of my photographs taken throughout the years including a saved photo from approximately 1974 with a Kodak Instamatic camera loaded with 110 film. All photos have been preserved in several formats including archival with the Library of Congress. Copyrighted all Images, Jackie Stevens Images 1974-2020, 2021-Library of Congress, Storage and Archival Photography Historical Department, Washington, D.C.