The 20th anniversary of 9/11: quotes, text and remembrance ideas
The 20th anniversary of the 11 September attacks will be marked with a series of events in each of the sites, all of which will be televised to millions at home.
On 11 September 2001 a series of terrorist attacks killed 2,977 people and injured countless more at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.
This Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of those harrowing events and many will use it as an opportunity to look back on the last two decades and commemorate those who lost their lives in the attacks.
Commemorative ceremonies will take place at each of the three sites every year but given the significance of the 20-year anniversary and disruption to last year’s events caused by covid-19, this year will see people across the United States and the world pay their respects.
How are people commemorating 9/11 this year?
In memory of that tragic day, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will visit all three sites to lead commemorative services. Vice President Kamala Harris and husband Douglas Emhoff will first visit a separate event in Shanksville before joining the Bidens at the Pentagon.
An event will be held on Saturday from the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York, with family members of those who lost their lives in the attacks to read aloud the names of those killed.
Access to the 9/11 memorial will be open from 7:00am, with the first moment of silence to be observed at 8:46am. The commemorative ceremony will continue until 1:00pm. On Saturday evening the annual Tribute in Light will take place from the Ground Zero, with free tickets provided for family members of 9/11 victims.
All major networks will be covering the spectacle with a series of broadcasts reflecting on the 9/11 attacks and featuring special reports live from Ground Zero.
ABC’s 9/11 Twenty Years Later: America Remembers will feature live coverage of events from Lower Manhattan, Washington, D.C. and Shanksville, Pennsylvania and the ceremonies taking place across the country.
Quotes to reflect on for the 20th anniversary of 9/11
The attacks of 11 September 2001 have had an indelible effect on the national disposition and will remain one of the most catastrophic events in American history. The first-hand accounts of those directly affected are some of the most poignant recollections of the attacks and remind everyone of what was lost that fateful day.
“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.”
—Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl, in 2002
Those tasked with leading the immediate response have always emphasised the incredible recovery efforts made by first responders on the ground in the aftermath of the attacks. The Fire Department of New York lost 343 firefighters on 9/11, willing to risk their lives in the hope of helping others.
“One of the worst days in America’s history saw some of the bravest acts in Americans’ history. We’ll always honour the heroes of 9/11. And here at this hallowed place, we pledge that we will never forget their sacrifice.”
—President George W. Bush at the Pentagon in 2008
Despite the horrific tragedy that befell thousands of innocent individuals and their families, many have remarked on how the United States rallied round in the aftermath to provide support to those who needed it.
“You can be sure that the American spirit will prevail over this tragedy.”
—Former United States Secretary of State Colin Powell