September 11 Attacks Remembrance Day

What Is September 11 Remembrance Day?

September 11th is the day in 2001 when coordinated terrorist attacks took place in the United States. The World Trade Center in New York City and other sites were targeted, and the attacks, which claimed many lives, are remembered around the world.

Historical Background

On the morning of September 11, 2001 (U.S. Eastern Time), four passenger jets were hijacked. Two were flown into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center in New York, and one into the Pentagon, the U.S. Department of Defense headquarters near Washington. The fourth crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew tried to overpower the hijackers. Both World Trade Center towers collapsed, and 2,977 people were killed, including 24 Japanese nationals. The attacks had a major impact on security policy and counterterrorism measures around the world.

• Date: September 11, 2001 (the first impact came at 8:46 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time, 9:46 p.m. the same day in Japan)
• Locations: New York City (World Trade Center), Arlington, Virginia (the Pentagon), and Shanksville, Pennsylvania
• Impact: stronger aviation security and counterterrorism measures in countries worldwide

Things to Know

• Ground Zero: the former site of the World Trade Center became known as "Ground Zero," and today it is home to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
• Changes in aviation security: after the attacks, security screening at airports around the world was greatly tightened.
• "Patriot Day": in 2002, then-President George W. Bush proclaimed September 11th "Patriot Day" in the United States, a day to honor the victims and the firefighters and others who died in rescue efforts.

How to Spend This Day

Rather than a day to "enjoy," it is best spent keeping in mind the many lives lost in these attacks and reflecting on peace and safety. It can also be a good opportunity to learn about international security and cooperation.