Patriot's Cave Remembers 9/11/2001
Posted by JOE SWEENEY
This year marks the 21st anniversary of 9/11. September 11 is observed as Patriot Day, a day dedicated to commemorating the lives of those who died in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia, and those who perished when the hijacked flight crashed in Pennsylvania. Patriot Day also honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice by attempting to rescue the victims of the terrorist attacks. In addition, September 11 is a National Day of Service and Remembrance when Americans can transform the anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy into a day of doing good.
On Patriot Day flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sundown, as is the flag at the White House as well as all U.S. government buildings and establishments throughout the world. Americans are encouraged to display flags in and outside their homes. Patriots are asked to observe moments of silence corresponding with the times of the attacks, beginning at 8:46am EDT, which is the time that the first plane, American Airlines Flight 11, struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Many Americans observe a total of six moments of silence corresponding the impact times of the four planes and the time that each World Trade Center tower fell (8:46am, 9:30am, 9:37am, 10:03am, and 10:28am). At Ground Zero in lower Manhattan, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum will commemorate the 21st anniversary of 9/11, with a ceremony that will take place on Memorial plaza and will focus on a reading of the names of the victims by family members. The reading of the names of the 2,977 people killed in the attacks is part of 9/11 remembrances held across the nation. Attending a Patriot Day ceremony, visiting a 9/11 memorial, or observing a moment of silence are ways that many Americans choose to commemorate the day.
September 11 is also a National Day of Service and Remembrance established under federal law and Presidential Proclamation. Patriots across the nation volunteer and participate in acts of service on September 11 as a way to honor the victims and those who felt called to service by keeping alive the spirit of unity that arose across the country and in the hearts of Americans in the immediate aftermath of the attacks. Volunteer activities happen largely on a grassroots level, though service projects are organized by local nonprofits, employers, faith groups, and schools. Volunteering or participating in a service project on September 11 is a great way to perpetuate and strengthen the American spirit and connectedness of patriots nationwide. Many people organize volunteer service events and share plans through social media using the hashtag #911Day.
On September 11, 2020 at the flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA, President Trump spoke the following galvanizing and inspirational words about the passengers of flight 93 and their brave choice to take on the hijackers to ensure that the plane did not reach its intended target. “Our sacred task, our righteous duty, and our solemn pledge is to carry forward the noble legacy of the brave souls who gave their lives for us 19 years ago. In their memory, we resolve to stand united as one American nation, to defend our freedoms, to uphold our values, to love our neighbors, to cherish our country, to care for our communities, to honor our heroes, and to never, ever forget.”
More than 20 years have passed since that terrible day, but the tragedy remains an indelible memory for America and those who love her. The phrase “Never Forget” unifies us as a country and as a people when we remember the innocent victims and honor the heroes who selflessly raced towards danger and destruction. Please join us in remembering the victims and the heroes of 9/11 as we Never Forget.
