Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg this evening dedicated the "Tribute in Light" in honor of those who lost their lives six months ago in the attacks on the World Trade Center. Mayor Bloomberg was joined by New York State Governor George E. Pataki, former Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, renowned opera singer Jessye Norman, and families of those lost on September 11th, including Valerie Webb, age 12, who lost her father, Nathaniel Webb, a Port Authority Police Officer. The "Tribute in Light" is a project of the Municipal Arts Society and is being hosted by the Battery Park City Authority.

"'The Tribute in Light' seeks to raise our spirits and symbolize the courage of America and the resilience of New York City," said Mayor Bloomberg. "As we reflect upon those we lost six months ago, this striking display reminds us that there is still much in this world to be hopeful about and that the human spirit will always prevail."

"The 'Tribute in Light' represents our faith that the many heroes and special people who died here are now safe in the hands of God," said Governor Pataki. "They also represent our steadfast belief that good will always overcome evil, and that a bright future lies ahead, both for New York and for our entire nation."

"The unique collaboration of organizations and talented artists is a testament to New York's resiliency," said Municipal Art Society Chairman Philip K. Howard. "The 'Tribute in Light' is more than just two beacons of light, but a tribute to the memory of all those who have been lost as well as a symbol of the spirit of our great city. We hope these lights will help fill the hole left in our hearts as they fill the void left in our beloved skyline."

During the short ceremony, which took place at 6:55 p.m. in Lot 23/24 located at the southwest corner of Warren and West Streets, opera star Jessye Norman sang a moving rendition of "America the Beautiful," while Valerie Webb illuminated the "Tribute in Light." In addition to losing her father on September 11th, Valerie also had lost her mother, Pamela Pettway, a registered nurse, in July 2000 due to a sudden heart attack. Valerie now resides with her maternal grandmother.

The memorial, situated in Lot 26 and bounded by West Street, Murray Street, Vesey Street and the Embassy Suites Hotel in Battery Park City, consists of two banks of forty-four spotlights each and projects about a mile into the night sky. The memorial will shine each night for thirty-two days from dusk to 11 p.m.

The "Tribute in Light" memorial was made possible through the generous support of The General Electric Company, Deutsche Bank, and AOL/Time Warner. Contributing sponsors include Con Edison, Agnes Gund, Alliance for Downtown NY, Covington & Burling, The Rudin Foundation, Mark Fletcher & Tobias Meyer, Robert Wood Johnson IV, MetLife, David Rockefeller, and Sullivan & Cromwell. The Creative Team for the "Tribute in Light" project includes John Bennett, Gustavo Bonevardi, Richard Nash Gould, Julian Laverdiere, Paul Marantz, and Paul Myoda, and was organized by the Municipal Art Society of New York with artistic support from Creative Time.