Facts about 9/11 and how to mark Sept. 11, 2001 anniversary
Most Americans have a memory of Sept. 11, 2001.
For some, it's a mourning of loss of a loved one or someone they knew who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of the Twin Towers buildings in New York City or the Pentagon. Others may still remember where they were 23 years ago when they heard or saw the planes crashing into the towers on the news.
Younger generations did not experience it but may have learned about the significance of the day in their history classes.
Throughout the country, efforts may be made to mark the day's anniversary, Wednesday, Sept. 11. Here is what to know about Sept. 11 and any events planned.
9/11 attack timeline
On Sept. 11, 2001, the extremist group al-Qaida launched a series of coordinated terrorist attacks on the United States, killing almost 3,000 people.
Terrorists hijacked and crashed passenger planes into two towers at the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C.
A fourth plane crashed into an empty field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after hijackers’ plans were foiled by a group of passengers who tried to take control of the aircraft before the hijackers were able to crash into another important symbol of democracy.
How many people died on 9/11?
The 9/11 attacks left 2,977 dead across New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania, according to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. That total includes the 2,753 who died in New York, 184 people at the Pentagon and 40 people who died when Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania.
Are government offices closed for Patriot Day?
No, the day is not a public holiday.
What year was 9/11 attack?
The attack happened in 2001.
What day is 9/11 called?
In the days immediately after the attacks, President George W. Bush proclaimed Sept. 14, 2001, as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the victims.
A year later, Sept. 11 was made a national day of mourning, known as Patriot Day. This observance has been proclaimed annually since 2002 and recognized as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Will flags fly at half-staff on Sept. 11?
If this year's proclamation follows Public Law 107-89, yes, flags should be flown at half-staff across the country at all governmental buildings.
El Paso Texas Across America hosts 9/11 ride
Those interested are asked to meet at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11 at the American flag at 5550 Gateway Blvd. Drivers will join the New Mexico Trail Hogs organization in driving over Transmountain and finishing up at The Wall in Santa Teresa. Riders will use GMRS RADIO CH-18.
National nonprofit hosts cleaning of headstones at Fort Bliss cemetery
Carry The Load, a national nonprofit that exists to preserve the sanctity of Memorial Day through community gatherings is hosting volunteers at Fort Bliss National Cemetery from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11.
Volunteers will clean headstones and beautify hallowed grounds at 67 National Cemeteries across the nation in observance of Patriot Day. More than 70 have already registered at Fort Bliss National Cemetery and 2,000 nationwide.
Volunteers are welcome to register at CarryTheLoad.org
UTEP to host 9/11 Stair Challenge
The University of Texas at El Paso Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps will host a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb to honor and remember the firefighters, police officers and emergency medical services (EMS) staff who selflessly gave their lives for others on Sept. 11, 2001. Hundreds have signed up to participate in the climb.
The event's opening ceremony will take place at 6:15 a.m. in the Sun Bowl stadium. The stair climb will be from 6 to 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11.
Clint ISD to have flag retirement ceremony on 9/11
Clint High School along with Mountain View and Horizon High School JROTC will conduct an honorable flag retirement ceremony for the district's unserviceable U.S. national flags at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11 in the open courtyard of Clint High School, 13890 Alameda Ave. All members in attendance will receive a star with a yellow ribbon attached from the flags as a keepsake.
More: Flag etiquette course offered by Vietnam Veterans of America: Letters to the Editor
Maria Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com, @EPTMaria on Twitter; eptmariacg on Instagram, eptmariacg on TikTok. USAToday contributed to this report.