On Independence Day, 2,983 Flags Wave on the Memorial's Bronze Parapets

A volunteer with Team Red, White & Blue helps place 2,983 flags at the Memorial. He is holding a bunch of small flags in his left hand as he places each flag with his right hand. He is also holding a large American flag over his left shoulder.
A volunteer with Team Red, White & Blue helps place 2,983 flags on the Memorial. All photos by Monika Graff

Independence Day was recognized on the 9/11 Memorial with two special remembrances: American flags were placed in the 2,983 names inscribed on the bronze parapets of the 9/11 Memorial, and Boy Scouts folded American flags that had been flown over the Memorial. 

Each year on the Fourth of July, each victim listed on the Memorial is honored with an American flag distributed by volunteers. This year, Team Red, White & Blue, a nonprofit organization founded in 2010 with the mission of enriching the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their communities, placed the flags on the Memorial to honor the 2,983 people who were killed in the attacks of September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993.   

In addition to the flag placement, Boy Scout Troop 25 from Staten Island folded flags that have been flown over the Memorial. Throughout the year, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum honors requests from people across the United States, asking that their American flag be raised over the site.

By 9/11 Memorial Staff

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Behind The Lens: Tracing a Name

A Marine in a formal red outfit traces a name on the 9/11 Memorial with his gloved finger. Several other Marines stand behind him.

This young Marine was part of a drill team that recently performed at the 9/11 Memorial. Before the drill began, I noticed him at the parapets slowly tracing this name with his finger. He must have been very young on 9/11.

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The Lens: Capturing Life and Events at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

A girl stands at a bronze parapate etched with the names of victims. A woman’s arm is seen pointing to a piece of paper the girl is reading.

The Lens: Capturing Life and Events at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is a photography series devoted to documenting moments big and small that unfold at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

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