9/11 Memorial

For residents of New York, the events of September 11, 2001, left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness. Across the state, communities have erected poignant tributes to honor those lost and remember the day. In Croton-On-Hudson, NY, a deeply moving and uniquely designed 9/11 Memorial stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance and resilience. Located at Croton Landing Park, this memorial offers a sacred space for quiet reflection, education, and collective healing. It's a place where the community can gather, remember, and find solace in shared grief and hope.

The 9/11 Memorial in Croton-On-Hudson is known as "Reaching Through the Shadow." It was presented for dedication on September 11, 2014, to the municipalities of Buchanan, Cortlandt, and Croton-on-Hudson by a dedicated 9/11 Task Force of citizen volunteers. This collaborative effort underscores the deep impact the tragedy had on these local communities and their collective desire to honor the victims, first responders, and military personnel who answered the call of duty. As a "very nice walk and great memorial," it invites visitors to engage with history in a meaningful way, emphasizing the importance of never forgetting.

The 9/11 Memorial, "Reaching Through the Shadow," is prominently situated at Croton Landing Park, located along the shores of the Hudson River in Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520, USA. This waterfront setting adds a layer of scenic beauty to the solemn nature of the memorial, providing expansive views of the Hudson River and its surrounding landscapes.

Accessibility to the memorial is quite convenient for New Yorkers. Croton Landing Park is easily reachable by car, and parking is typically available within the park's designated areas, particularly at the north end of Elliott Way. For those traveling by public transit, the Metro-North Railroad's Croton-Harmon station is nearby. From the station, visitors can access Croton Landing Park, which contains the memorial. Reviews suggest that reaching the memorial itself might involve a short walk within the park. In previous Tri-Municipal 9/11 Memorial Ceremonies, shuttle vans have been available from the parking area to the memorial site, demonstrating a commitment to making it accessible for all who wish to visit. The park's location allows for a seamless transition from urban areas to a tranquil, contemplative space by the river.

As a memorial and a place of public remembrance, the 9/11 Memorial in Croton-On-Hudson primarily offers a space for contemplation and education rather than traditional park services. However, it provides several key elements that facilitate this experience:

• A Place for Reflection: The memorial's primary purpose is to provide a solemn space for individuals and groups to remember and honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and those who have suffered or died from related illnesses.

• Educational Signage: There is an "explainational sign about Sundial" that educates visitors about the memorial's unique design and how it functions as a sundial, marking the precise times of the tragic events of that day. This makes it "educational too" for those seeking a deeper understanding.

• Annual Commemoration Ceremonies: The memorial serves as the site for the annual Tri-Municipal 9/11 Memorial Ceremony for Buchanan, Cortlandt, and Croton-on-Hudson. These ceremonies provide a structured opportunity for the community to gather and collectively remember.

• Public Access: The memorial is generally open to the public during Croton Landing Park's operating hours, allowing for quiet visits and personal reflection at any time.

• Integration with Croton Landing Park: Being situated within Croton Landing Park means visitors can combine their visit to the memorial with other park activities, such as walking along the scenic Hudson River walkway.

The "Reaching Through the Shadow" 9/11 Memorial in Croton-On-Hudson is distinguished by its unique and deeply symbolic features:

• World Trade Center Steel Beam: The focal point of the memorial is a twisted steel beam, a genuine artifact recovered from the North Tower of the World Trade Center. This tangible piece of history profoundly connects visitors to the events of 9/11, offering a powerful and somber visual reminder of the tragedy.

• Functional Sundial: The steel beam ingeniously forms the gnomon (the part that casts a shadow) of a functional sundial. Bronze markers placed around the base of the sundial depict the events of September 11, 2001, from the departure of American Airlines Flight 11 to the valiant efforts of rescue workers. This interactive element makes the memorial "worth reading the explainational sign about Sundial," allowing visitors to trace the timeline of that fateful day as the shadow moves.

• "Reaching Through the Shadow" Bronze Statue: A life-sized bronze statue of a woman stands facing the steel beam, with her arms outstretched and reaching skyward. This powerful artistic element, conceived by sculptor Lauren Davis, is intended to represent humanity's experience of loss while simultaneously conveying hope for the future. This adds a deeply emotional and relatable dimension to the memorial.

• Collaborative Design: The memorial's design is the collaborative work of architect & designer James W. Rhodes, FAIA, and sculptor Lauren Davis, both residents of Croton-on-Hudson. This local connection imbues the memorial with a personal touch and community pride.

• Scenic Riverside Location: Situated along the tranquil shores of the Hudson River at Croton Landing, the memorial benefits from a naturally beautiful backdrop. The walk to the memorial itself is part of the experience, offering scenic views and a peaceful environment conducive to contemplation, as noted by visitors who describe it as a "very nice walk."

• Community Dedication: The memorial was a project guided by the 9/11 Task Force, consisting of citizen volunteers, highlighting a profound community commitment to remembrance and honoring those affected by 9/11, particularly local residents.

As a public memorial and a solemn place of remembrance, the 9/11 Memorial in Croton-On-Hudson does not engage in commercial "promotions" or "special offers." Access to the memorial within Croton Landing Park is free and open to the public during park hours. The value it offers is inherent in its purpose as a site for honoring victims and educating the public.

• Annual Tri-Municipal Ceremony: The most significant "offering" is the annual Tri-Municipal 9/11 Memorial Ceremony held on September 11th. This free public event allows the communities of Buchanan, Cortlandt, and Croton-on-Hudson to gather for collective remembrance, often involving a procession and a solemn program.

• Educational Experience: The sundial feature and accompanying explanatory sign provide a unique educational experience at no cost, allowing visitors to learn about the timeline of 9/11 in a visually engaging way.

• Community Volunteerism: The memorial was created through the dedication of a citizen 9/11 Task Force, and while not a direct "promotion," opportunities to support local conservation efforts or participate in community remembrance initiatives might arise, offering a way to engage with the spirit of the memorial.

For details on the annual ceremony or any related community events, locals should consult the official websites of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, the Town of Cortlandt, or local news outlets.

For inquiries regarding the 9/11 Memorial in Croton-On-Hudson, as it is a public memorial located within Croton Landing Park, the primary contact would be through the Village of Croton-On-Hudson's municipal offices or their Parks and Recreation department.

Address: Croton Landing Park, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520, USA

(The specific address provided, "81 Furnace Dock Rd, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520, USA," is for a different establishment, the Watergate Motor Inn, as per the previous information. The 9/11 Memorial is located at Croton Landing Park.)

For general information or inquiries related to the Village of Croton-On-Hudson's facilities and events, including the 9/11 Memorial and Croton Landing Park:

• Village of Croton-On-Hudson

  Phone: (914) 271-4322 (This number, previously associated with the Watergate Motor Inn, is also a general area code that might connect to broader municipal services.)

  Alternatively, look for contact information for the Village of Croton-on-Hudson's main office or their Parks & Recreation Department: While a specific direct line for the memorial is not widely publicized, contacting the Village's general information line or visiting their official website would be the most effective way to obtain accurate details.

It is highly recommended to visit the official website of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson for the most current information, event schedules, and contact details for departments managing public spaces and memorials.

The 9/11 Memorial in Croton-On-Hudson, "Reaching Through the Shadow," is profoundly suitable for locals in the New York region for several compelling reasons. It serves as a vital community touchstone, providing a unique and accessible space for collective remembrance, education, and healing, all within a beautiful and tranquil setting.

For New Yorkers, the events of 9/11 are a deeply personal and shared experience. This local memorial offers an opportunity to connect with that history without having to travel to the larger, often crowded, downtown Manhattan site. Its presence in Croton Landing Park makes it an easy destination for a quiet moment of reflection, whether during a morning walk or a dedicated visit. The reviews confirm this, describing it as a "very nice walk and great memorial," indicating it's integrated seamlessly into local life.

The memorial's design, particularly the functional sundial made from a genuine World Trade Center steel beam, makes it incredibly impactful and educational. Being able to witness the shadow move across markers that pinpoint the tragic moments of that day offers a unique and tangible way to engage with history. This feature makes it "nice and educational too. Worth reading the explainational sign about Sundial," transforming a visit into a profound learning experience for all ages, including younger generations who may not have lived through the events.

Furthermore, the annual Tri-Municipal 9/11 Memorial Ceremony held at this site reinforces community bonds and provides a powerful forum for collective grief and resilience. It allows residents of Croton-on-Hudson, Buchanan, and Cortlandt to gather, share, and ensure that the memory of those lost and the spirit of unity are preserved. This local focus makes the memorial a truly personal and meaningful place for the surrounding communities.

In essence, the 9/11 Memorial at Croton Landing Park is more than just a monument; it's a living memorial that actively contributes to the local community's well-being by offering a beautiful, accessible, and deeply respectful space for remembrance, education, and shared healing, making it an indispensable part of the New York regional landscape.

9/11 Memorial

Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520, USA