This September marks the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Commemorate the events with your family at these memorial events in and near Queens.
A rendering of one of the National 9/11 Memorial’s two reflecting pools. The names of each of the nearly 3,000 victims will be engraved around both pools’ outer edges.
It’s hard to imagine that many kids have no recollection of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Still, they are sure to hear things at home, in school, and on the news. Take the time to listen to their thoughts and concerns, and consider taking them to one or more of the following events that commemorate the 10th anniversary of the tragedies, to foster a positive outlook about the strength of our nation.
On September 11, the National 9/11 Memorial in Manhattan will open for the victims’ families with a commemoration ceremony hosted by the City of New York. Members of the public may begin planning their visits on September 12 via an online reservation system. After entering the 9/11 Memorial Welcome Site at 1 Albany Street, visitors can expect to see the largest manmade waterfalls in North America flowing into the reflecting pools in the two towers’ footprints. The space will also include a Memorial Grove for special ceremonies and events. Families who wish to visit the memorial must reserve a date and time Monday-Friday, 10am-8pm, and on weekends and holidays 9am-8pm until January 8. From January 9 to March 10, the memorial will be open 10am-6pm daily. The last entries are ushered in an hour before closing. For more information, visit www.911memorial.org.
Calvary Cemetery will host the Memorial Treeway of Champion Trees, a tree-planting initiative to remember those lost in the attacks. The ceremony, which is open to the public, takes place at the resting place for 11 victims who died on 9/11. This living memorial also acts as a thriving place of reflection for families and friends to return to over time. 4902 Laurel Hill Boulevard, Woodside. FREE. For information on dates and time, contact champtree@bigplanet.com.
Wave Hill, the public garden and cultural center in Riverdale overlooking the Hudson River, will hold two family events that artistically observe the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Guest artist Randy Brozen will lead a Family Art Project: Paper Circles for Remembrance and Renewal workshop. Family members will make their own paper and shape it as a circle to reflect the changing seasons and cycles of life, and then grace their circles with a yarn-loop hanger, or seeds to grow later. 10am-1pm. In the afternoon, visitors are invited to inscribe or illustrate strips of natural-fiber paper with personal reflections on the anniversary for a Wind Elegy. The many flag-strips will be affixed to the pergola to flutter gently in the breeze. At week’s end, the papers will be composted to rest in the garden. 12-4pm. FREE. Wave Hill, 675 West 252nd Street, Bronx.
Also see: How to Talk to Kids About 9/11
Ideas on How, Where, and Why to Volunteer with Your Kids
