Empty Sky Memorial at Liberty State Park: unfinished elements, failing systems, and families pressing for completion

# What Empty Sky is and how it fell short

The memorial was dedicated but several elements of the original design and ongoing maintenance have gone undone. Advocates and family members describe visible disrepair and missing features they say matter to the memorial's meaning and durability.

• Trees: The original design called for 60 trees to be planted as part of the memorial landscape. Those trees are still missing.

• Lighting: Original lighting was damaged by Superstorm Sandy in 2012. A replacement system was installed but "failed several years ago," according to a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) spokesperson. Families want working lighting restored.
• Names: As of 2021, 749 names were inscribed on Empty Sky. Memorial advocates say at least 17 people who meet the memorial's stated threshold — a "strong connection" to New Jersey by birth, residence, work, or upbringing — are not included. Many of those reportedly omitted were Port Authority officers and commuters who lived or worked in New Jersey.

# Who is pushing for change

Michael Danatos, a member of the committee that chose the memorial design and a relative of a 9/11 victim, has been advocating for completion and repairs for more than 20 years. He described the memorial's condition as "a disgrace" and has repeatedly requested state action. Other family members and groups, such as the 9/11 Legacy Foundation, have criticized long-term inaction and urged officials to act before anniversary observances.

# What state officials say

Protection, which oversees Liberty State Park, handles routine cleaning and small maintenance. The DEP says decisions about "significant repairs" go through a state design process that involves other agencies and contracting professionals. DEP spokesperson Larry Hajna said the department worked with a contract electrician to assess the lighting and identify needed upgrades.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill's office provided a statement that the administration is committed to the memorial and will continue working with families and stakeholders to determine a path forward. After a recent meeting between families and the administration, Danatos said he was cautiously optimistic but saw no public action before the 25th anniversary.

# Names and the question of eligibility

The memorial's eligibility standard requires a "strong connection" to New Jersey. New Jersey added three names in 2021, according to the DEP, but it was not stated whether the additional 17 missing names were under review or would be added. Several of the omitted individuals cited by advocates were Port Authority personnel who worked in Jersey City or New Jersey residents who commuted to New York City.

# Where things stand now and what families want next

Families want the state to complete the originally promised design features, repair and modernize failed lighting, and add the missing names. They are seeking timely public commitments and visible progress rather than meetings alone. With the 25th anniversary approaching, advocates say the pace of action has been slow and they will continue to press officials publicly and privately until the work is done.