New York Harbor lights up as 2,977 drones recreate Twin Towers in 9/11 tribute

A drone installation over New York Harbor recreated the Twin Towers to honour 2,977 victims of the September 11 attacks. Created with survivors, families and first responders, it underscored remembrance, reflection and unity ahead of the 25th anniversary.New York Harbor lights up as 2,977 drones recreate Twin Towers in 9/11 tribute (Photos: @Drone_Wars_/X)New York Harbor lit up with thousands of lights on Wednesday night as a spectacular drone display paid tribute to the 2,977 people who lost their lives in the September 11 terror attacks.The aerial artwork, titled “2,977 Lights Over New York Harbor,” featured thousands of illuminated drones rising above the water before coming together to recreate the outline of the Twin Towers at full architectural scale.According to ABC7, the commemorative display was unveiled ahead of Friday’s 25th anniversary observance and was presented as a free public art installation centred on remembrance, reflection and unity.Watch the video here: Over New York Harbor, 2,977 drones formed light silhouettes of the World Trade Center's Twin Towers. Each drone symbolized one of the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks.The Sky Elements show took place two days before the 25th anniversary of the tragedy: the drone pic.twitter.com/DGpLqkydo3— Drone Wars (@Drone_Wars_) September 10, 2026 The tribute was developed in collaboration with members of the 9/11 community, including survivors, family members of those killed in the attacks and first responders. Organisers said their experiences and perspectives helped shape the aerial artwork.Among those involved were Brenda Berkman, an FDNY first responder and artist; Tim Brown, who served as an FDNY first responder in 1993 and 2001; Terry Strada, president of 9/11 Families United and widow of Tom Strada; Jim Smith, whose wife, NYPD Officer Moira Smith, was killed on September 11; and Genevieve Siller, daughter of Stephen Siller. As the lights moved across the night sky and gradually took the form of the Twin Towers, the installation offered a striking visual reminder of the lives lost and the lasting impact of the attacks on New York and beyond.The display was held as part of commemorations marking 25 years since September 11, bringing together art, remembrance and the stories of those connected to the tragedy.- EndsPublished By: Yashna TalwarPublished On: Sep 10, 2026 20:43 IST