Commemorating September 11, 2001

By: Laila Schwin and Valery Warner

September 9, 2021

This Saturday (September 11, 2021) marks the 20th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93. 

On this anniversary, we should all take a moment to commemorate the 2,997 victims of the attacks and to make sure that their memories live on through their friends, family, and general public.

This horrific tragedy is remembered every year in New York City at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.  Families of the victims along with survivors come together, speak the names, and even tell the stories of those who perished on that evil day. 

Moments of silence are also included to remember the times of these horrific events. These times are as follows:

• 8:46 a.m. – When the first plane hit the North Tower
• 9:03 a.m. – When the second plane hit the South Tower
• 9:37 a.m. – When the third of the four hijacked planes crashed into the Pentagon
• 9:59 a.m. – When the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed
• 10:03 a.m. – When the fourth hijacked plane (Flight 93) was brought down in Somerset County, Pennsylvania
• 10:28 a.m. – When the North Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed

Along with remembering the victims who passed away, it is important to look at the long-term effects that this tragedy has had on the survivors and the civilians exposed to the conditions at Ground Zero. While the attacks primarily affected first responders at the scene, people in the surrounding areas have continued to suffer and even die due to their exposure to different elements while interacting with the scene of the fallen World Trade Center. 

The number of deaths attributed to the health conditions caused by proximity to the scene is unknown, but the last reported number as of September 11, 2020, was 227. Additionally, 412 emergency workers (343 firefighters) died, which is why the need to commemorate first responders on the scene of 9/11 is vital and necessary. This is why the 9/11 Memorial Glade was dedicated and first unveiled in 2019. Long overdue!  

The 9/11 Memorial Glade was dedicated on May 30 of 2019, the 17th anniversary of the official end to the recovery effort. It is made up of six monoliths, each ranging from 13 to 18 tons. To honor the recovery efforts, each stone was laid with melted steel from the ruins of the World Trade Center.

Each year since the 9/11 attacks, the victims’ families have found ways to honor and memorialize all of the lives lost. Today, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum has reopened to the public, along with the Memorial Glade and Survivor Tree which are all located near Ground Zero (in Lower Manhattan, New York). 

There are many ways to show your respect and support for both the survivors and victims.  If you would like to donate, click here. All donations and proceeds go to one of the five memorial sites along with providing assistance for the victims’ families. 

May we never forget this day in American history.

“Let’s Roll”

{Information for this article was retrieved from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.}