North Raleigh Today

On Wednesday, the United States will remember the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the terror attacks that killed almost 3,000 Americans in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Several communities are planning 9/11 anniversary observances and there are various ways to commemorate the day.

Local first responders are sharing a video message about 9/11. Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson, Raleigh Fire Chief Herbert Griffin, and Wake EMS Chief Jonathan Studnek remember the events and thank all first responders.

More than 30 million Americans dedicate time each 9/11 to helping others and rekindling the spirit of unity that emerged in the days following the tragedy. For more information, visit 9/11 Day – Support the 9/11 National Day of Service (911day.org).

A moment of silence can be observed on Sept. 11 at any of the following times marking key moments from that day:

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.: Passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 launched a counterattack on hijackers aboard their plane; in response, hijackers crashed it into an empty field near Shanksville, Pa.

10:28 a.m.: The North Tower collapsed.

For local volunteer opportunities related to commemorating this day, check out Activate Good’s initiatives for their annual local Day of Service.

Many first responders, including those from Raleigh police and fire departments, will commemorate the day. The Raleigh Fire Department will join Wake County fire departments to honor and remember victims' sacrifices with scheduled activities:

At 8:40-8:45 a.m., personnel will gather and activate warning lights on all units.

At 8:46 a.m., an ECC alert tone and announcement will be heard on radios followed by a one-minute moment of silence.

The Raleigh Police Department will also observe a moment of silence in front of district stations at this time.