The terrorist attacks that occurred September 11, 2001 changed the world forever and on its anniversary, Americans take the time to remember the events of that tragic day. Officially, it is September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance and is also known as Patriot Day. This is a chance to commemorate and remember those who were lost and survivors of the attack on the World Trade Center.
September 11, 2021 is the 20th anniversary of the attacks. This Remembrance Day, there will be special commemorative events and individuals across the nation will pause for a moment of silence to reflect. The day is a chance to remember the attack that aimed to break America but instead brought people together and made the country stronger.
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum remembers
The 9/11 Memorial Museum is a commemorative exhibit that pays tribute to the event through education and remembrance. According to 911memorial.org, 2,977 people passed away as a result and countless more were injured or impacted in some irreversible way. The anniversary of the tragedy that was the 9/11 terrorist attacks is filled with emotion and gives an opportunity for solace.
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum will be taking special measures for the 20th Anniversary Commemoration. They will be hosting a reading of lost loved ones by family members where there will be six moments of silence. The number six is significant because it acknowledges “when each of the World Trade Center towers was struck and fell and the times corresponding to the attack on the Pentagon and the crash of Flight 93.”
The first moment of silence will be observed at 8:46 a.m. on September 11, 2021 and the memorial will encourage churches to toll their bell as sign of respect and solidarity. Family members who lost someone during 9/11 are allowed free entrance to the ceremony.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.The FBI and DoD nods to the holiday
Because 2021 marks two decades since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centers, the FBI took the time to commemorate how the events changed the bureau. In fact, the FBI director makes it a special requirement that all new agents take the time to visit the memorial and remember the contributions that previous agents made in the focus on terrorism.
9/11 changed the way that the military and all branches of the armed forces operate. It truly changed the course of military action forever. The Department of Defense acknowledges its impact and those who gave their lives in pursuit of freedom with a collection of stories from people whose lives were impacted by that terrible day 20 years ago.
Volunteer opportunities
Whether you were directly impacted by the terrorist attack, every American’s life was touched in some way. If you are unsure how to make a difference, give back, or commemorate the 20th anniversary, here are a few meaningful and easy ways to offer service to our country.
Americorps
Volunteer organization Americorps notes that 9/11 is also National Day of Service, and there is no better way to remember those who lost their lives protecting our nation than to give back to the country they were protecting. Americorps has a great search engine where you can find opportunities that are connected to 9/11.
Take the time for a brief moment of respectful silence, donate time, or commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11 in your own way.