Boston’s Skyline to Be Illuminated for Sept. 11 Anniversary

If you look up at the Boston skyline this evening, Sept. 11, several office towers will be illuminated in blue.

This year will be the second year that those who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks will be honored in Boston in this way, thanks to Gogi Gupta. 

Gupta, the founder of the Back Bay marketing firm Gupta Media, was moved by the “Tribute in Light” that occurs in downtown Manhattan every Sept. 11. He wanted to show support for New York City from Boston and decided that a lights-based tribute would be appropriate.

“I don't think we should leave it on New York's shoulders,” Gupta said in a statement shared with the Boston Globe. “I think everybody has to remember that day.”

Gupta and his associates have secured the help of several Boston landlords, such as BXP, Chiofaro Co., and Fortis Property Group.

This year, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation will light up the Zakim Bridge. The City of Boston will spotlight City Hall and the Bolling Building in Roxbury. Last week, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce asked its members to get involved. Gupta also told colleagues in Cleveland and Minneapolis about beginning similar efforts in these cities.

Gupta is motivated to continue the tribute to ensure that members of younger generations, who weren't born when the Sept. 11 attacks occurred more than 20 years ago, understand the significance of honoring the memory of those who died in the attacks.

“If everyone takes a second and just remembers the lives lost,” Gupta said to the Globe, “I will have achieved what I wanted to achieve.”