On the eve of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, a public commemorative drone light display titled '2,977 Lights Over New York Harbor' was presented over New York Harbor on the evening of September 10, 2026. The public art installation utilized 2,977 illuminated drones, with each drone representing one individual killed during the 2001 terrorist attacks. According to AeroTime, the event was organized as a free public gathering centered on reflection and unity.
During the display, the drones initially appeared as individual scattered points of light in the night sky before assembling into the detailed architectural outlines of the World Trade Center's Twin Towers. After holding the formation above New York Harbor, the array dissolved back into separate points of light. Event organizers noted that this visual transition was deliberately designed to emphasize the individual lives lost rather than focusing solely on the structural landmarks.
The tribute commemorated victims killed across multiple locations, including the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and onboard United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania. The display also honored first responders, emergency medical workers, survivors, and residents affected by long-term health impacts. The project was developed in close collaboration with members of the 9/11 community, including FDNY first responders Brenda Berkman and Tim Brown, as well as 9/11 Families United president Terry Strada.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy shared images of the aerial display on social media, expressing solidarity with the victims, their families, and service personnel. Additionally, live camera network EarthCam captured footage of the light formation against the New York City skyline. Organizers highlighted that the drone tribute aims to ensure younger generations understand the human cost of the September 11 attacks while symbolizing New York's enduring resilience.
