NEW YORK – Today marks 23 years since the tragic 9/11, 2001, terror attacks that changed New York City and the nation forever.
Nearly 3,000 lives were lost when al Qaida hijackers crashed four jetliners into the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and a field in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Every year on this day, families who lost loved ones gather to honor the memory of those who perished in the deadliest terror attack on American soil. They observe six moments of silence, listen to the reading of victims’ names, and uphold the solemn promise to never forget.
As time passes, more names are read by children and young adults born after the attacks. The responsibility of remembering this day is gradually being passed from one generation to the next.
You can watch the commemoration at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, streaming live on CBS News New York starting at 8:25 a.m.
9/11 Moments of Silence
Wednesday’s ceremony honors the 2,983 victims killed in the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, Flight 93, and the 1993 WTC bombing.
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum will open to family members at 8:00 a.m. before the commemoration begins at 8:46 a.m.
A citywide moment of silence will be held at 8:46 a.m. to mark the moment hijacked Flight 11 hit the North Tower. A second moment of silence follows at 9:03 a.m. for the moment Flight 175 struck the South Tower.
Additional moments of silence will be observed at:
- 9:37 a.m. (when Flight 77 hit the Pentagon)
- 9:59 a.m. (when the South Tower collapsed)
- 10:03 a.m. (when Flight 93 crashed in Shanksville, PA)
- 10:28 a.m. (when the North Tower fell)
The ceremony typically concludes around 12:30 p.m.
U.S. Leaders in Attendance
President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Republican Vice Presidential nominee JD Vance are expected to attend the ceremony in Lower Manhattan. Both Biden and Harris released statements emphasizing the importance of remembering the attacks.
“Never forget each of the 2,977 precious lives stolen from us when terrorists attacked our nation,” Biden said. “Never forget their families, the heroic citizens, and survivors who rushed to help. And never forget that we endured when faced with evil.”
Harris echoed similar sentiments: “Today is a day of solemn remembrance. We honor the souls lost and the extraordinary heroism displayed by ordinary Americans. We will never forget.”
The president and vice president are also scheduled to visit 9/11 memorial sites in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.
Street Closures for the 9/11 Ceremony
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is located at the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, and the following street closures are expected in the area:
- Barclay Street to Rector Street (between Broadway and West Street)
- Liberty Street, Albany Street, and West Thames Street (between West Street and South End Avenue)
- South End Avenue (between Liberty Street and West Thames Street)
- Battery Place and 3rd Place (between West Thames Street and Little West Street)
- Little West Street (between 3rd Place and Battery Place)
Additionally, street closures due to the United Nations General Assembly are affecting Manhattan’s East Side. Drivers should anticipate delays and plan accordingly.