Hey Everyone,

As you may know, Chanthee and I live in Manhattan. September 11th was a significant event for us and I try do go to the memorial each year. For some reason, the memorial lights were only on for one night this year, instead of the week (probably budgetary as everyone is broke), so we only had one night to go and pay tribute. This year it seemed more important to me for some reason than in past years. I am not sure why. Perhaps it is as a result of the kind of craziness that has been so present this year - i.e. the people who are talking about burning Korans and others who are protesting the mosque. Perhaps it is the fact that next year will be 10 years....and I never intended to make it here this long. Honestly, I am not sure why. Having said that, I am glad that we went out.

This year, we started in New Jersey to view the lights from Jersey City. This is the first year I have tried this. My friend Jeff (of the Digital Wedding Forum) and I photographed a wedding in New Jersey the weekend after 9-11 with the building still churning smoke (it actually went on for months). I recalled this - I think at least in part - as a result of the heavy cloud pattern that seemed to create a similar smokey effect on the lights.





We were surprised that the lights went out at around 11PM. So, as we made our way back to Manhattan, we noticed that the lights had gone back on, so we headed down to Ground Zero to take a few more shots.

The area around Ground Zero has been gated off for some time, and large signs are talking about the upcoming permanent memorial and new buildings (which of course nearly a decade later are just now being finalized). The lights are fired off from a couple of blocks South of the actual towers.

Anyway, here are some shots from last night. Please forgive the slightly odd skyline. For whatever reason, getting the lights to be straight in the frame was really difficult. For people wondering about the streaks in the tower lights - I have no idea what they are. The lights 'glitter' every year.





Cheers
James