September, 2001 (detail)
©2001, Michael O'Rourke

In the days following the attacks, there was a spontaneous outburst of candle “shrines” built by New Yorkers throughout the city.  One of the focal points for this outpouring of emotion was Union Square Park, where this image was shot. There was a great silence surrounding these shrines, people standing, staring, holding each other, looking at the candles. Our grief. Remembering the dead. The hope of light. Community.