WASHINGTON, D.C. — The nation is pausing to look back on one of our country’s darkest days. Thirteen years ago, terrorists used airplanes to forever change the landscape of American history.
It’s been 13 years since the families of the nearly 3,000 people killed in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania lost their loved ones. The country once again came together for solemn tributes to the fallen.
In Manhattan, each of the names, now engraved on a memorial, were read out loud. They were mothers, fathers, aunts and uncles. “I’m honored to read names today. In honor of my uncle, John Roberts Cruz who was in the North Tower,” said Krystyna Warkentien.
The tributes were broken up by six moments of silence, one for each plane that crashed, and one for each World Trade Center tower that fell. President Barack Obama delivered a speech at the Pentagon.
“Time that has brought us pain, but also time that has brought us endurance and strength. A time of rebuilding, resilience and of renewal.”
Bells rung in remembrance in this Pennsylvania field, the site where the fourth hijacked flight crashed. “I hope people remember how on 9/11, we all came together as a country. And they are paying their respects, but it’s not a sad day, it’s just a day of remembrance,” said Sarah Fisher.
Symbols of solidarity in every corner of the country… they’re reminders of the nation’s promise to never forget.
Here at home, flags were at half-staff at all state buildings. There was a moment of silence at the Laps for Life blood drive at the Speedway. The event began three years ago as a way to remember 9/11 victims, their families and all of those impacted by the tragic events of that day.
In Matthews, the Flags of Remembrance are a visible reminder of the 9/11 attacks. The Firefighter Steven Coakley Foundation placed 2,997 flags in Stumpton Park. Each flag in the Twin Tower-shaped display represents a life lost on 9/11.
