Thousands Gather At NYCLU-Sponsored Candelight Vigil

On the eve of the ninth anniversary of the September 11th attacks, over 2,000 New Yorkers gathered downtown to show their support for the controversial Park 51 community center and mosque. Organized by the NYCLU and the New York Neighbors for American Values coalition, gatherers were encouraged to wear white and carry American flags, but no signs of protest. Instead, gatherers listened to music and thoughts from faith leaders and city officials. Vigil organizer Peter Hogness told NY1, "To me this says I love New York because it is diverse, because we have the whole world in New York and we treat everybody equally."