September 11, 2001, is the date of one of the worst attacks on US soil in American history. This year, it will be the 25th anniversary of that terrible day known as 9/11.
The Tribute in Light was first displayed on the six-month anniversary of 9/11. Now, it is lit from dusk until dawn every year on September 11.
This September 11, people will gather in New York City at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. It sits at the former site of the World Trade Center, where the attack began. A ceremony will start at 8:40 am, the same time in the morning as the attack. There will be seven moments of silence to remember different parts of that day. The names of the 2,983 people who lost their lives in the attack will be read aloud. Later, there will be a private ceremony for their families. That evening, a television special about 9/11 will air. It will end by showing the Tribute in Light, two beams of light that shine in the night sky in New York City. They remind everyone of the Twin Towers and the unbreakable spirit of our country.
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After the Twin Towers in New York City were hit by airplanes, fires burned on the top floors until the towers collapsed.
On September 11, 2001, terrorists (people who use fear and violence to achieve political goals) hijacked four airplanes. They flew two of them into the World Trade Center in New York City. The World Trade Center consisted of two large buildings, known as the Twin Towers. Another airplane crashed into the headquarters of the US Department of Defense in Washington, DC, called the Pentagon. The passengers on board the fourth plane learned what was happening during the flight. They fought against the terrorists and the airplane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania before it could be flown into another building in Washington, DC.
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A rescue worker stands amid ruins following the September 11th terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City.
As soon as the first plane crashed into the World Trade Center, people came to help. More than 1,000 police officers, firefighters, and rescue workers arrived on the scene. However, both of the towers collapsed. Thousands of people died in the World Trade Center, including police officers, firefighters, rescue workers, and people working in the office buildings. Others died in the Pentagon and the airplanes that were hijacked. In total, almost 3,000 people died that day. Thousands of people traveled to the site of the World Trade Center to help. Around the country and the world, people donated to charities to support recovery efforts.
When we remember the events of September 11, we remember the lives that were lost. We also remember the courage and the bravery of people who helped.
What Do You Think? What questions do you have about 9/11? Talk to an adult about the events of that day. Ask them how the world has changed as a result of 9/11.
Photo Credit: Library of Congress
