On Wednesday, the United States will remember the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the terror attacks that killed almost 3,000 Americans in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Several communities are planning 9/11 anniversary observances and there are various ways for you to commemorate the day.
9/11 Anniversary: Opportunity to Thank First Responders
Our first responders share this message about Wednesday's anniversary.
Our local first responders are sharing a video message about 9/11. Watch Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson, Raleigh Fire Chief Herbert Griffin and Wake EMS Chief Jonathan Studnek remember the events and thank all first responders.
Ways to Observe Anniversary
More than 30 million Americans dedicate time each 9/11 to helping others and rekindling the spirit of unity that brought us together in the days following the 9/11 tragedy. For more information, visit 9/11 Day – Support the 9/11 National Day of Service (911day.org).
Observe Moment of Silence
Observe a moment of silence on Sept. 11 at any of the following times that mark key moments on 9/11. Every year, the moments below are observed as part of the official 9/11 anniversary commemoration ceremony held at the World Trade Center in New York City for victims’ families.
8:46 a.m.: Hijackers deliberately crashed American Airlines Flight 11 into floors 93 through 99 of the North Tower.
9:03 a.m.: Hijackers deliberately crashed United Airlines Flight 175 into floors 77 through 85 of the South Tower.
9:37 a.m.: Hijackers deliberately crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon, near Washington, D.C.
9:59 a.m.: The South Tower collapsed.
10:03 a.m.: After learning of the other attacks, passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 launched a counterattack on hijackers aboard their plane to try to seize control of the aircraft. In response, the hijackers crashed the plane into an empty field near Shanksville, Pa.
10:28 a.m.: The North Tower collapsed, leaving the 16-acre World Trade Center site in ruins and collateral damage affecting all adjacent properties and streets. The rescue effort commenced immediately.
Volunteer Locally
For information about local efforts, check out Activate Good’s volunteer opportunities for 9/11. Activate Good is a Raleigh nonprofit volunteer center that has organized a local 9/11 Day of Service for several years.
First Responders Commemorate the Day
Many first responders, including the Raleigh police and fire departments, will commemorate the day.
The Raleigh Fire Department will join Wake County fire departments to observe, honor, and remember the sacrifices of the civilian and uniformed victims of the terrorist attacks. Here’s the timetable:
- At 8:40-8:45 a.m. Personnel will gather and fire apparatus operators will activate warning lights on all units.
- At 8:46 a.m. ECC alert tone and announcement will be heard on radios, which will be followed by a 1-minute moment of silence. (8:46 a.m. was the time Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower).
The Raleigh Police Department will also observe a moment of silence in front of district stations at 8:46 a.m.