By Jennifer R Jones | Posted on September 11, 2009 11:30 AM
Americans Nationwide Come Together To Remember The 9/11 Attacks With Solemn Events And Acts Of Service, Initiatives Encourage Community Involvement And Reflection For A New Museum
Americans Remember September 11
Americans across the country gather today to remember the events of September 11, 2001. In New York City, the names of all the victims of the terrorist attacks were read aloud this morning, and four moments of silence were observed: two at the times the planes hit the towers of the World Trade Center, and two when the towers fell. Tonight, two searchlights will be turned on at 6:00 PM for the “Tower of Light,” and remain lit, pointing upward, until 8:00 AM tomorrow morning. Commemorating the two towers, the lights will remain static.
For Americans who want something concrete to do, September 11 was recently designated a day of National Service and Remembrance; everyone is being urged to find ways to get out and help in their communities. At Trinity Church on Wall Street, an all-night vigil and walk was held; a service will take place this afternoon starting at 12:30 PM. In addition, a number of other September 11 initiatives are underway. The Port Authority is offering World Trade Center debris to be used in memorials around the country--about 2,000 pieces are available; they are currently being stored at JFK airport.
A Closer Look at the September 11 Memorial & Museum
And a new website (911history.org) is asking for personal stories about the attacks to be featured as part of a series of remembrances at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, slated to open in 2012. Visitors will descend 70 feet under Ground Zero, where they can view images of the attacks and hear stories from families and friends of the victims. Because many of the images will be very graphic, ranging from people jumping out of the towers to human remains, a warning will be in place for visitors.
