Emotional Tributes and Moments of Silence on 23rd Anniversary of 9/11
Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks that profoundly impacted New York City and the entire nation. On that fateful day, nearly 3,000 lives were lost when al-Qaeda hijackers crashed four jetliners into the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
For 23 years, families who lost loved ones have gathered each September 11 to observe six moments of silence, hear the reading of the victims’ names, and uphold the solemn vow to never forget.
A New York citywide moment of silence was held at 8:46 a.m. to mark the impact of hijacked Flight 11 on the North Tower. A second moment of silence took place at 9:03 a.m. for the impact of hijacked Flight 175 on the South Tower. Another moment of silence was observed at 9:37 a.m. for the attack on the Pentagon by hijacked Flight 77. At 9:59 a.m., a moment of silence was held for the collapse of the South Tower, followed by a moment at 10:03 a.m. for the crash of Flight 93 in Shanksville, and a final moment at 10:28 a.m. for the collapse of the North Tower.
Political Animosity Set Aside for National Unity
President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump, and his running mate, Senator JD Vance, gathered at the site of the former World Trade Center to commemorate the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the worst in the US history. In a moment of unity, they set aside political differences to remember the tragedy that shook the nation.
Trump and Harris, just hours past their first in-person meeting at the presidential debate Tuesday night, shook hands ahead of solemn commemorative ceremonies after Harris turned toward Trump and both extended a hand.
