Roosevelt Island Daily | The Beat
By Ericka O’Connell
Hello, friends,
Each September, Roosevelt Island pauses together in a moment of deep reflection. This year, RIOC, the Public Safety Department, and community leaders invite us to gather once again for our Annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony.
Event Details
- What: 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
- When: Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 8:30 AM
- Where: The 9/11 Memorial Plaque, just beneath the tram
A Moment to Remember
I often find myself slowing down when I pass the memorial near the tram. It’s small, quiet, and tucked into the everyday rhythm of our island. But it holds so much. On the anniversary of September 11th, we pause there as neighbors—not only to remember those we lost, but to stand shoulder to shoulder in the presence of one another.
What strikes me every year is the mix of faces. Some of us carry vivid memories of that day, while others were children then, or not yet born at all. And yet, we all share in the act of remembrance. That’s the gift of community, it binds together experiences across time.
Why It Matters to Us
Living on Roosevelt Island, we see the skyline daily. We live in the shadow of where history changed, and our memorial reminds us to hold close what matters most: connection, compassion, and resilience.
This year, I encourage you to come, not just as an observer, but as a participant. Bring a neighbor, a friend, or even just your quiet presence. Together, we’ll remind one another that healing is a collective act.
Let’s meet at the tram on September 11 at 8:30 AM. Let’s remember, together.
Three Newspapers and a Broken Water Fountain
In 2018, Roosevelt Island had three local newspapers and no working drinking fountains. Seven years later, one paper had disappeared, one founder was leaving the country and the word “your” was about to receive a much clearer ending.
