9/11 Memorial Museum to Lead Nation in Commemorating 20th Anniversary of Attack

Six months from today, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum will lead the nation in commemorating the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks that took the lives of 2,977 men, women, and children in New York City, Arlington, Virginia, and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Twenty years after the attacks changed our world forever, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum stands as a sacred symbol of fortitude and resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

“In a few months’ time, 20 years will have passed since our nation was attacked on September 11,” 9/11 Memorial Board Chairman Michael R. Bloomberg said. “We suffered a great tragedy that day and for the weeks and months that followed. We mourned the victims of the attacks and promised to never forget. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is helping to keep that promise by preserving their memories and the difficult but important history of the terror attacks."

Through live and virtual programming throughout the year, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum focuses on the foundations of honoring, educating, and inspiring as we uphold our daily mission to remember.

“In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing challenges facing our nation and the global community, the resilience, compassion, and hope demonstrated two decades ago in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks offer invaluable lessons now,” said 9/11 Memorial & Museum President & CEO Alice M. Greenwald. “During this 20th anniversary year, it is our privilege to share these lessons with a new generation, teach them about the ongoing repercussions of the 9/11 attacks, and inspire them with the idea that, even in the darkest of times, we can come together, support one another, and find the strength to renew and rebuild.”

The annual ceremony for family members will include the live in-person reading of the names by family members of the 2,983 victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks and the February 26, 1993 bombing at the World Trade Center.

Tribute in Light will once again light the New York City skyline, unifying the city in a beloved annual tradition. In addition to the Tribute in Light, Tribute in Lights, a citywide initiative in partnership with NYC & Company, will bring together cultural institutions, corporate buildings, and various landmarks across New York City who will participate by lighting up their facades and spires in Memorial blue.

And once again, the Anniversary in the Schools webinar will use first-hand storytelling from 9/11 family members, survivors, and rescue and recovery workers to bring the story of 9/11 to the classroom, ensuring that future generations will never forget. Since 2016, the Anniversary in the Schools pre-recorded webinar has reached more than a million participants in all 50 states and in 40 countries.

“Each anniversary of September 11 brings a new chance to reflect, mourn, and reconnect with the lessons we learned when our city was at its lowest,” said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. “The 9/11 Memorial & Museum tells a powerful story of resilience, recovery, and rebirth. I look forward to joining New Yorkers in upholding our promise to never forget and standing with them to write a new chapter in this city’s future.”

By 9/11 Memorial Museum Staff