The worst acts of terrorism to have hit the United States brought back not just the memories of the horrific visuals of the plane attacks and the aftermath, but also the heroism of the first responders that day and the resilience of the New Yorkers in the days that followed.
The September 11, 2001 attacks, also known as 9/11, saw terrorists hijacking planes in the US and crashing them into World Trade Towers in Manhattan, New York, and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. One flight crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after the passengers fought the terrorists on board.
First to respond to a situation involving fire, the Fire Department sacrificed 343 lives. NYPD, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department lost 60 of their officers.
The attacks left 2996 people dead and thousands more injured.
Around 80 nations have lost their citizens in the attacks, and the tributes poured in from across the globe. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the 9/11 terror attacks ‘struck humanity.’
India lost over 40 of its citizens that day.
Soon after, the US-led coalition brought down the Taliban regime, which played host to Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, who masterminded the attacks. The military offensive is known as ‘Operation Enduring Freedom.’
However, it wasn’t until May 2, 2011, a decade later, that a special operation by the US forces killed Osama in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
President Joe Biden visited all three sites to pay tributes on Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance.
In Manhattan, New York
Former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama and former first ladies joined President Biden at the commemoration in New York at the ‘One World Trade Center.’
The names of the deceased were read aloud by their near and dear. The Presidents placed their hands over their hearts during the procession march of the Flag.
Musician Bruce Springsteen performed ‘I’ll See You In My Dreams.’
Former President Donald Trump did not attend the official ceremonies but visited a fire station and police precinct.
At Shanksville, Pennsylvania
George W. Bush, President of the US in 2001, joined President Biden at the commemoration in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Bush delivered a speech critical of recent events in the US, lamenting the violent extremism at home. President Biden, who did not speak at the event, had also called for national unity in a taped message released by the white house.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who joined the Presidents at Flight 93 ‘National Memorial’ near Shanksville, praised the first responders for their courage and said that the nation must now look toward the future, as the passengers of Flight 93 fought for the nation’s future.
At the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia
A wreath-laying ceremony was held to honor the fallen.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley joined the President and the Vice-President at the commemoration in Virginia.
NYPD and FDNY
The New York Police Department posted several individual tweets with photographs of the officers who lost their lives while responding to the terror attacks.
The New York Fire Department held memorials and services across New York City.
From across the Country
From Schools to major corporations, and even sporting events witnessed the players and fans remembering the 9/11 attacks.