Former Iraq ambassador to UN writes: 25 years after 9/11, who really won the War on Terror?
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Feisal Amin Al Istrabadi
New York City marked the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with a massive drone show titled '2,977 Lights Over New York Harbor'. The display featured 2,977 illuminated drones forming an outline of the Twin Towers to honor each life lost.
A Skyward Tribute: Honoring 25 Years of Remembrance
As New York City commemorates the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the skyline served as a poignant canvas for collective grief and healing. The centerpiece of this year's observation was the breathtaking installation titled "2,977 Lights Over New York Harbor," which utilized 2,977 individual drones to create a full-scale, illuminated outline of the fallen Twin Towers.
The Symbolism of the Drone Display
Each of the 2,977 lights in the display was meticulously choreographed to represent a single life lost during the 2001 tragedy. By recreating the silhouette of the World Trade Center, the installation offered a visual bridge between the past and the present. This collaboration between artists, producers, and the 9/11 community—including survivors, first responders, and victims' families—ensured that the commemoration remained rooted in the personal experiences of those most affected by the events.
Integrating Technology and Tradition
While the drone show represents a modern evolution of memorialization, it exists alongside enduring traditions. The iconic "Tribute in Light," which projects two beams from lower Manhattan from dusk on September 11 until dawn on September 12, continues to serve as a bedrock of the city’s annual remembrance. The combination of these high-tech displays and traditional light installations highlights how New York balances innovation with the solemnity required for such a significant milestone.
Historical Artifacts in Motion
Beyond the aerial displays, the city’s physical connection to the history of the attacks remains visceral. A 21-foot, 17,000-pound steel beam recovered from the South Tower is playing a central role in the anniversary commemorations. By retracing the steps of fallen firefighter Stephen Siller, this procession serves as a tangible reminder of the sacrifice made by first responders who rushed into danger while others were fleeing.
Broader Implications and Future Trends
Twenty-five years later, these ceremonies illustrate a shift in how society processes collective trauma. The move toward inclusive, community-led public art suggests that memorialization is moving away from static monuments and toward active, participatory experiences. As the generation that lived through 2001 ages, the use of technology like drone displays ensures that the scale and gravity of the loss are communicated effectively to younger generations who only know the Twin Towers through history.
Concluding Reflections
Ultimately, the events of September 9 and 11, 2026, demonstrate that New York remains committed to the promise of "never forgetting." Whether through the silent dignity of a steel beam procession or the luminous presence of thousands of drones over the harbor, the city continues to find new ways to honor the victims, providing a space for reflection that is both deeply personal and globally resonant.
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