As we approach the 20th anniversary of September 11th, 2001, Americans stop to reflect on where we were and what we were doing when we first heard about the attack on America. We remember the countless lives lost, the survivors forced to relive that day, and the countless first responders who ran toward the danger in selfless acts of bravery, some making the ultimate sacrifice without ever thinking twice.
On 9/11/2001, we promised never to forget those who died and gave their lives to help save others. As former President George W. Bush shared on the seventh anniversary of 9/11:
“One of the worst days in America’s history saw some of the bravest acts in Americans’ history. We’ll always honor the heroes of 9/11. And here at this hallowed place, we pledge that we will never forget their sacrifice.”
Two decades later, we have not forgotten. We have not forgotten the nearly 3,000 lives lost and the millions that were forever changed since that day. There are countless ways to honor the victims of 9/11 in positive ways in your local community. Here are four you may consider this anniversary or for future 9/11 anniversaries:
Four Ways to Honor the Fallen & First Responders on 9/11
Moment of Silence
You can join in with millions of others on this day of remembrance with a moment of silence. There are six moments of silence performed to honor the devastating events that took place on September 11th, including:
- 8:46 a.m.- Flight 11 crashes into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
- 9:03 a.m.-Flight 175 crashes into the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
- 9:37 a.m.-Flight 77 crashes into The Pentagon.
- 9:59 a.m.- The South Tower collapses.
- 10:03 a.m.- Flight 93 crashes into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
- 10:28 a.m.- The North Tower collapses.
A moment of silence is an easy way to honor the lives lost, the survivors, and the first responders with family, friends, students, faculty, and staff. Tune in to a national broadcast, or participate in a moment of silence on your own.
Fundraising 5k
A 9/11 fundraising 5K is another way to remember and contribute to organizations on a mission to help 9/11 survivors, military members, first responders, and their families who still feel the aftermath of that fateful September day.
Stair Climb
According to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, climbing 110 stories is equivalent to the highest point of the World Trade Center. You can honor the 343 first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice with a 110 story stair climb. You may choose to donate or participate in a stair climb event in your area or host a stair climb event, donating proceeds to a foundation aimed at supporting first responders or firefighters.
Offer Discounts
If you are a business owner, another way you can show your unwavering support for first responders and the many sacrifices they make to keep us safe is with discounts. Whether you create a special discount or offer for 9/11 specifically or offer a recurring discount for service members and first responders, your support will not go unnoticed.
At We Sell Mats™, we are proud to offer a 5 percent discount to the brave men and women first responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep their communities safe. Just use code “SERVE5” at checkout to enjoy 5 percent off your purchase of fitness mats, floor tiles, home and office mats, and more.
September 11th, 2001, is a day that will live on in infamy. No matter how you choose to remember those lives that were lost or forever changed, take comfort in knowing that America’s resilience, strength, pride is strong, and how fortunate we are to be here today, to prove that no one can break the American spirit.