A sad, solemn 9/11 anniversary service at Ground Zero was held free of political speeches for the first time yesterday — and some victims’ relatives called the day an emotional turning point for them.
“After [last year’s] 10th-year anniversary, I just exhaled, so it feels a lot different in that regard,” said Jane Pollicino, 58, who lost her husband, Steve, in the terrorist attack. “We can celebrate in a calmer way.”
Smaller crowds gathered for the morning remembrance at the place where the giant Twin Towers once stood, with mixed emotions about the inevitability of a more subdued observance.
But Michele DeFazio, whose husband perished in the attack, fears that the victims’ memories may be slipping away.
“I feel like no one’s here,” DeFazio said. “Ten years seems like it was the cutoff point. I hope that’s not true. I still will always remember.”
Although a slew of elected officials attended, including Gov. Cuomo, Mayor Bloomberg, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, US Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, survivors said they were relieved their loved ones did not have to share the spotlight with speeches.