New York, NY – Today, the nation pauses to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001, marking the 23rd anniversary of one of the darkest days in American history. On that day, nearly 3,000 lives were lost in coordinated terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and aboard United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
At 8:46 a.m. on that Tuesday morning, the first hijacked plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Seventeen minutes later, a second plane hit the South Tower. In quick succession, a third plane hit the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m., and by 10:28 a.m., the towers had collapsed, leaving a devastating trail of destruction. Flight 93, diverted by brave passengers, crashed at 10:07 a.m., preventing a fourth target from being struck.
Today, memorial services are held across the country, with significant ceremonies at Ground Zero in New York, the Pentagon, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania. Family members and survivors gather to read the names of those lost, observe moments of silence, and reflect on the heroism displayed by first responders and ordinary citizens.
According to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, over 25,000 items of memorabilia continue to honor the memories of those who perished. Images from that day, such as the iconic “Falling Man” captured by photographer Richard Drew, remain poignant symbols of the personal and collective grief.
On this Patriot Day, Americans are encouraged not only to remember the losses of 9/11 but also to reflect on the resilience and unity that emerged in the aftermath. As one survivor said, “We’re not about what happened on 9/11. We’re about what happened on 9/12.” The courage and compassion shown that day continue to inspire the nation.
We will never forget.
