"Even twenty years on, the emotions are still there" said Charles G. Wolf.

After losing his wife Katherine in the 9/11 attacks,  Wolf says he's always found comfort in the annual memorial ceremony at the World Trade Center Site.

"It's a safe space to be in” said Wolf, “if you need to cry you can cry."

Each year he joins with other families to read the names of the nearly 3,000 people killed by terrorists aloud, collectively observing the exact times when the planes hit the towers.

"That plane crashed directly into my wife's office and when those bells ring, boy do I remember it,” he said. “I remember where I was, exactly what I was doing, the whole thing, it comes right back."

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum announced that this year relatives like Wolf will be able to hear their loved ones names read aloud again.  Last year, organizers opted to pre-record the names for the ceremony because of COVID-19 concerns. After outcry from some families, the foundation Tunnel to Towers held its own live reading of the victim's names.  Wolf said the pandemic cast a shadow over the day meant to bring people together.

"Last year was so abnormal,” Wolf said. “We didn't know if we could, if we couldn't, if we should, if we shouldn't, so I think it's great. We've learned a lot since last year scientifically and everything else.”

Frank Siller, the chairman of Tunnel to Towers, who lost his brother in the attacks, released a statement welcoming the decision, saying that the foundation "believes an in-person reading of the names of those lost on that tragic day is an essential and irreplaceable tribute."

Wolf says he also thinks it's the right calls and looks forward to the somber tradition that ensures the memories of the victims aren't lost.

"It's a chance to see everybody, to say hello, to truly commemorate,” he said. “It's kind of like going to church on Christmas or Easter I guess.  You need to do it inside your soul.”