Every year on September 11th, I do everything I can to be in downtown Manhattan with my camera. This sad tradition pays tribute to my beloved city, the people of New York, and the history of this place. It’s very important to me to preserve memories through photography.
It was a beautiful Saturday morning, and honestly, nothing reminded me of the tragedy until I reached my first stop of the day – Bryant Park. There was an art installation commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11. People could pick up a flower, write a message, and leave it on one of the 2,753 chairs on the lawn. I walked among the chairs, reading messages from all over the world, realizing that even after 25 years, the pain is still there.

Then I headed to Oculus, and I witnessed what looked like the silhouettes of two towers beginning to appear on the floor. It was like a mirage, and didn’t last for long.

Then I went to 9/11 Memorial, where I spent the rest of the day.