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9/11 Victims' Names May No Longer Be Read At Annual Memorial Services
By
Rachel Pincus
Published Aug 20, 2011
Modified Aug 20, 2011
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AP
By
Rachel Pincus
Published Aug 20, 2011
Modified Aug 20, 2011
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Apparently grief runs its course after 10 years: The traditional reading of the names on the anniversary of 9/11 might see some changes after this year. Mayor Bloomberg announced on his radio show yesterday that after this year's ceremony, the 9/11 Memorial Foundation (which he heads) intends to discuss with 9/11 survivors, families and first responders the prospect of discontinuing the reading of every victim's name on future anniversaries. This comes on the heels of news that the Tribute in Light will be going dark after this year if there are not enough donations to support it, as well as news of the first time someone has ever tried to use the ceremony for political gain.
"Some people have said we should go on forever," said the mayor. "Some people have said change is good. The subject's come up a couple of times. I think we've said the foundation board will talk about this... We'll talk to a lot of the family members and talk to a lot of the existing first responders and see what people think. You'll never have unanimity. There will always be dissension. The papers will make a big deal of it. You look at the stuff. It's a quiet news day, cycle, in New York right now so people are trying to make a big deal." Hmm, maybe—or maybe there's dissension because it's because it's one of the most memorable parts of the ceremony for victims' families and friends, many of whom don't even have remains of their loved ones. First responder James O'Connell said to the Post, "How do you honor and memorialize someone if you forget their name?"
At least the tangible memorial will open this year, at least to those with strong bladders, deep pockets and Abrahamic religious convictions. Got all that? Never forget!
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