Plan Your Own Observance
The following are programmatic elements to consider when planning your 9/11 anniversary observance.
Observe Moments of Silence
Observe a moment of silence on September 11 at any or all of the following times marking key moments on 9/11. Every year, the moments below are observed as part of the official 9/11 anniversary commemoration ceremony held at the World Trade Center for victims’ families.
- 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.
Toll Bells
Toll bells on September 11 at 8:46 a.m. or at each of the times listed above.
Read the Names of the Victims Aloud
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.
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 Never Forget Fund Fundraising Event
Twenty years later, Americans remember the events of 9/11 and reflect on the stories of hope and resilience, sacrifice and service, goodwill and community that inspired us all in the aftermath of 9/11 and do so again today. By hosting a fundraising event in your community, you can commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and support The Never Forget Fund. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum will send video and other digital assets to you to display at your event. To learn more and receive your hosts’ digital toolkit, email jvonnatterer@911memorial.org