Twenty-five years ago, the United States faced an unprecedented attack that killed nearly 3,000 people and changed the course of the country’s history. On Friday we pause to remember the victims, the first responders, and the heroes who gave everything in service to others. There are also various ways for you to commemorate the day – read on to learn how.
Our local first responders are sharing a video message about 9/11. Watch Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce, Raleigh Fire Chief Herbert Griffin, and Wake County Emergency Medical Services Director Jon Studnek remember the events. They also thank all first responders for their important work.
Remembering 9/11: Twenty-five Years of Resolve
How Can I Observe the Anniversary?
Remembrance Event at John Chavis Park
In partnership with Activate Good, the City of Raleigh will host a Remembrance Event at John Chavis Memorial Park on Friday, Sept. 11. The event brings the community together for hands-on service projects, a Community Connections Fair, and opportunities to support critical needs across our community. You can register on the web page.
There will be two shifts:
- Morning shift: 10 a.m. to noon; and,
- Afternoon shift: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Participants will have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and tackle real community needs through hands-on projects supporting local nonprofits, schools, and charitable organizations. Projects will include food distribution, community garden and park beautification, school campus projects, hygiene kit preparation, and more.
This will be part of Activate Good’s annual 9/11 event. Activate Good is a Raleigh nonprofit that has organized a local 9/11 Day of Service for years.
9/11 Day Website
More than 30 million Americans dedicate time each year to helping others on the anniversary day. For more information on what to do and how to participate, visit 9/11 Day – Support the 9/11 National Day of Service (911day.org).
Observe Moment of Silence
You can observe a moment of silence on Sept. 11 at any of the following times that mark key moments on 9/11. Every year, the moments below are observed as part of the official 9/11 anniversary event held at the World Trade Center in New York City for victims’ families.
8:46 a.m.: Hijackers crashed American Airlines Flight 11 into floors 93 through 99 of the North Tower.
9:03 a.m.: Hijackers crashed United Airlines Flight 175 into floors 77 through 85 of the South Tower.
9:37 a.m.: Hijackers 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, Pa.
10:28 a.m.: The North Tower collapsed, leaving the 16-acre World Trade Center site in ruins. Collateral damage affected all adjacent properties and streets. The rescue effort commenced immediately.
First Responders Commemorate the Day
Many first responders, including the Raleigh police and fire departments, will commemorate the day.
Raleigh Fire and Police departments will observe, honor, and remember the sacrifices of the civilian and uniformed victims of the terrorist attacks. Here’s the timetable:
- At 8:40-8:45 a.m. Personnel will gather at police district stations and fire stations, and apparatus operators will activate warning lights on all units; and,
- At 8:46 a.m. ECC alert tone and announcement will be heard on radios, which will be followed by a one-minute moment of silence. (8:46 a.m. was the time Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower).
RPD will also participate in a ceremony for first responders at the Wake County Speedway that evening. The Wake County Sheriff’s Office and the Cary Police Department will also participate in the ceremony, which will be held before the evening race.