September 11, 2001, was a defining moment in American history. On that day, terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners to strike targets in the United States. Nearly 3,000 people died as a consequence of the attacks.

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11, many communities around the country will host special events focused on the following themes.

Honoring Victims

By Senate resolution, Americans are called on to simultaneously participate in a Moment of Remembrance at 1:00 PM EDT (noon CDT, 11:00 AM MDT, and 10:00 AM PDT) on September 11, 2011. Cease all regular activity for one minute to take a moment to reflect on the lives lost and those affected by the attacks of 9/11.

Governments, businesses, houses of worship, railways, fire and police departments, and others are called on to ring bells and sound sirens during the Moment of Remembrance.

In New York, the 9/11 Memorial dedication will be held September 11, 2011. In Washington, DC, thePentagon Memorial is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to allow the public to reflect on those who died there. In Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the National Park Service will dedicate the Flight 93 National Memorial and host a 10th anniversary commemoration. Learn more about each memorial.

To further honor those who have died, the U.S. Mint has issued a September 11 National Medal.

Keeping America Safe

Emergency responders continue to train and prepare for the possibility of future attacks. Learn how you can prepare for a disaster or emergency. You may also review the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's progress report of the 9/11 Commission recommendations.

The U.S. State Department recommends that U.S. citizens abroad enroll in the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program, and to be aware of possible terrorist attacks on the 9/11 anniversary.

The 9/11 Generation

More than 2 million American troops, all volunteers, have served in war zones, deploying more than 2.5 million times. Learn how you can participate in supporting American service members.

National Service

This year, more than 1 million Americans are expected to serve in their communities in honor of 9/11. Service projects will range from food drives and home repairs to neighborhood cleanups and disaster preparation activities. In many areas, volunteers will honor veterans, soldiers, or first responders by collecting donations, assembling care packages, and writing thank you letters.

Learn how you can participate in public service on the National Day of Service and Remembrance. On September 23, 2011, the Corporation for National and Community Service will announce winners of thechallenge it issued to engage volunteers during the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Resilience

The 10th anniversary of 9/11 celebrates Americans' endurance in withstanding acts of terrorism.

• Tell others online or tweet how you will commemorate 9/11 this year.
• Join an online conversation about September 11, sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution.
• Tell your 9/11 story and upload images, documents, and other digital files at the September 11 Digital Archive.
• View the National Museum of American History’s display of how American lives have changed since 9/11, plus objects recovered from the three sites attacked that day.
• Visit the Library of Congress’s eyewitness accounts and personal reactions to 9/11.
• Download the 9/11 Memorial application, which tours the area around the World Trade Center, accompanied by audio and photo narration.

by usa.gov team