Events Honoring 9/11 Victims And Heroes Are Taking Place Across The Country

It’s been 22 years since one of the most terrifying terrorist attacks hit United States soil. To honor the victims and heroes of that day, a ceremony is being held in lower Manhattan on Sept. 11, (9/11) CBS News reports.

The ceremony will be available to stream live on television and mobile devices starting at 8:25 a.m. ET with the reading of the names of those who were killed.

Close to 3,000 people were killed after members of an Al Qaeda terrorist group hijacked four planes. Two planes crashed into the iconic World Trade Center’s Twin Towers in New York City, causing both buildings to collapse to the ground. Shortly after, another plane crashed into the Pentagon building in Washington, D.C., and another dived into an open field in Pennsylvania as passengers fought back. This was the only plane that didn’t reach its intended destination.

As victims in the air succumbed to the attacks, hundreds of thousands of people on the ground in Manhattan unknowingly were breathing in toxic air and debris. According to firefighter union leaders, hundreds of people have since died from post-9/11 related illnesses, including 341 FDNY members.

A Pentagon memorial is also being held in Arlington, Virginia, honoring the lives of 184 people who died at the Pentagon and American Airlines Flight 77 during the terrorist attacks. The event is free and open to the public, according to WUSA 9. Another event, titled the 11th Annual Mason Nation 9/11 Day of Service, is happening in Fairfax. Held at George Mason University, numerous service projects will be available for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to participate in until 5 p.m.

Military veteran Ben King from Armor Down is scheduled to host a virtual morning mindfulness and meditation session.

Busboys & Poets in Hyattsville, Maryland, is hosting a veterans open mic night for those who can’t make any of the honoring events during the day. The event encourages veterans and supporters to share their courageous stories.