Plan Your Own Observance
Help us fulfill our collective promise to never forget: get involved throughout the year or plan your own 9/11 observance.
Observe the Moments of Silence With Us
Every year as part of the official commemoration ceremony held at the World Trade Center for victims' families, we observe six moments of silence marking the key events of 9/11.
- 8:46 a.m.: Hijackers deliberately crashed American Airlines Flight 11 into floors 93 through 99 of the North Tower.
- 9:03 a.m.: Hijackers deliberately crashed United Airlines Flight 175 into floors 77 through 85 of the South Tower.
- 9:37 a.m.: Hijackers deliberately crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon, near Washington, D.C.
- 9:59 a.m.: The South Tower collapsed.
- 10:03 a.m.: After learning of the other attacks, passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 launched a counterattack on hijackers aboard their plane to try to seize control of the aircraft. In response, the hijackers crashed the plane into an empty field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
- 10:28 a.m.: The North Tower collapsed, leaving the 16-acre World Trade Center site in ruins and collateral damage affecting all adjacent properties and streets. The rescue effort commenced immediately.
Bell Tolling
Toll bells on September 11 at 8:46 a.m., the beginning of the attacks, or at each of the times listed above.
READING OF NAMES
The names of the men, women, and children killed as a result of the 9/11 attacks have been read aloud at the official 9/11 anniversary commemoration in New York City every year. This list of names inscribed on the 9/11 Memorial includes all those killed in the 9/11 attacks and the six individuals killed in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
The 9/11 Memorial Guide allows users to select specific victim names or groups of names, including names of individuals from a certain town or state, a specific company, or first-responder agency.
We Remember Because
Submit a message of remembrance and reflection to our digital Blue Sky Remembrance Wall. Honor those killed by sharing stories and affirming the sense of community we shared in the aftermath of the attacks so future generations will never forget.
Share Reflections on Social Media
In addition to our Remember the Sky activation, we invite you to commemorate September 11 on Instagram with your own remembrances and thoughtful posts. Right click on the images below to include them. Please be sure to tag us at and include #neverforget911. Please also be sure to review our guidelines for proper usage.
Lower Flags in Remembrance
Lower flags to half-staff on the anniversary of 9/11. Flags may be lowered at 8:46 a.m. to mark the moment when Flight 11 struck the North Tower.
Host a Community Memorial Beautification
Plan a volunteer day to clean and restore a 9/11 memorial in your community.
Talk to Children About Terrorism
Terrorist attacks and acts of extreme violence around the world evoke strong emotions and questions in all of us. Anniversaries of terrorist attacks and moments of commemoration often prompt these difficult emotions and questions for children as well. We have prepared tips as broad guidelines to help parents and caregivers navigate talking to children about terrorism and other mass casualty events.