Remembering September 11, 2001: A Day That Changed the World
On a crisp, clear morning on September 11, 2001, the world as we knew it was forever altered. What began as an ordinary day in New York City, Washington, D.C., quickly turned into a nightmare, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of millions and reshaping the course of history. Today, we pause to remember the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost, the countless heroes who emerged from the chaos, and the enduring spirit of resilience that rose from the ashes of tragedy. For more information visit NBC4 Washington’s live stream of the 23rd annual memorial for the fallen or the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial website.
At 8:46 a.m., American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The unthinkable had happened. Smoke billowed from the skyscraper, and confusion gripped the streets below. Many believed it was a terrible accident, a freak event. But just 17 minutes later, at 9:03 a.m., United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower. In that heart-stopping moment, it became clear: America was under attack.
As news spread, our hearts sank with the shocking realization of the magnitude of the unfolding disaster. At 9:37 a.m., American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon, the nerve center of the U.S. military. Just over 20 minutes later, at 10:03 a.m., United Airlines Flight 93 went down in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers, aware of the fate that awaited them, bravely fought back against the hijackers. These were not isolated events but coordinated acts of terror that shattered our sense of safety and security.
For those who witnessed the events unfold— whether on the ground or through live broadcasts — time seemed to stand still. The once-bustling streets of Manhattan fell silent except for the wail of sirens, the cries for help, and the roar of collapsing towers. First responders, firefighters, police officers, and countless everyday citizens became instant heroes, rushing into danger to save lives. Some never made it back out. Their bravery, their selflessness, and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
The Twin Towers, symbols of economic prowess and New York City’s skyline, fell within hours. Clouds of dust and debris enveloped lower Manhattan, leaving a haunting void. And yet, amidst the rubble, stories of courage, unity, and hope began to emerge. Strangers helped strangers; communities came together; the world, for a moment, stood united in shared grief and determination.
September 11, 2001, was a day of profound loss. It was a day that claimed mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, friends, and colleagues. It was a day that left families shattered and a nation grieving. But it was also a day that revealed the best of humanity. It showed us that even in our darkest hours, there is light. Even when faced with unspeakable evil, there is goodness. God’s goodness.
In the years since, we have rebuilt, we have remembered, and we have continued to honor those we lost. Memorials now stand where the towers once soared. The names of every victim are etched in stone, a testament to lives lived and dreams unfulfilled. Each year, we gather to read those names aloud, ensuring that they are never forgotten.
As we reflect on September 11, 2001, we remember the pain, but we also remember the perseverance. We remember the loss, but we also remember the love. And we commit to never forgetting—not just the events of that day but the unity and strength that arose in its aftermath. Today, and always, we honor the memory of those who perished and those who gave everything to help others. We remember. We rebuild. We rise.
May God provide comfort to all who mourn.
O God of love, compassion, and healing, look on us, people of many different faiths and traditions, who gather today at this site, the scene of incredible violence and pain.
We ask you in your goodness to give eternal light and peace to all who died here – the heroic first responders: our firefighters, police officers, emergency service workers, and Port Authority personnel, along with all the innocent men and women who were victims of this tragedy simply because their work or service brought them here on September 11, 2001.
We ask you, in your compassion to bring healing to those who, because of their presence here that day, suffer from injuries and illness.
Heal, too, the pain of still-grieving families and all who lost loved ones in this tragedy. Give them strength to continue their lives with courage and hope.
We are mindful as well of those who suffered death, injury, and loss on the same day at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Our hearts are one with theirs as our prayer embraces their pain and suffering.
God of peace, bring your peace to our violent world: peace in the hearts of all men and women and peace among the nations of the Earth.
Turn to your way of love those whose hearts and minds are consumed with hatred.
God of understanding, overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy, we seek your light and guidance as we confront such terrible events.
Grant that those whose lives were spared may live so that the lives lost here may not have been lost in vain. Comfort and console us, strengthen us in hope, and give us the wisdom and courage to work tirelessly for a world where true peace and love reign among nations and in the hearts of all.
– Pope Benedict XVI, 2008
