On a beautiful, sun-filled Tuesday 23 years ago today, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks resulted in one of the darkest days in modern American history. Forever transforming our country, our policies, and each of our military forces, especially the Army, 9/11 also shined a light on the heroism, patriotism, and love for America that served as a beacon of hope for the future ahead.
Now, Patriot Day is observed annually on 11 September as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. We at the Office of Enterprise Management (OEM) join in this observance by honoring the 3,000 lives that were lost, including the more than 70 U.S. Soldiers and Civilians who died at the Pentagon on 11 September. (View here: Pentagon Army Names).
We also share resources and support to those affected by this tragedy to ensure that those impacted by 9/11 can access the care and assistance they need for their ongoing recovery.
Patriot Day Observations
At the Pentagon, a specific observance ceremony is held, typically involving high-ranking officials, such as the Secretary of Defense and other military leaders, who pay tribute to the individuals who died at the Pentagon and on Flight 77. This ceremony includes personal reflections and remembrances from those who were present at the Pentagon during the attacks, as well as a formal ceremony to recognize the courage and sacrifice of those involved. For more information, visit Pentagon Memorial.
Other 9/11 remembrances include:
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum – Located at the World Trade Center in New York City, the 9/11 Memorial Museum tells the story of 9/11 through media, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts, presenting visitors with personal stories of loss, recovery, and hope. It is open to the public. For more information, visit 911 Memorial.
- Flight 93 National Memorial – The Flight 93 National Memorial is an expansive landscape memorial that comprises of many features. The Visitor Center provides an indoor exhibit on the Flight 93 story. Visitors can walk the flight path at the Visitor Center and again at the Memorial Plaza. A visit to the Memorial Plaza offers an intimate view and walk along the crash site and debris field. The names of the 40 passengers and crew members are listed on white marble at the Wall of Names. There are two trails open seasonally, the Allée and the Western Overlook Trail, that interconnect the Visitor Center with the Memorial Plaza. 40 Memorial Groves are visible from the Allée and the Ring Road between the Visitor Center and the Memorial Plaza.
9/11 Resources and Support
Support for those affected by 9/11 is available. From mental health services to financial and educational assistance, survivors, first responders, and victims’ family members have access to a range of resources to aid in their recovery and well-being. These include the following:
- Voices Center for Resilience – VOICES provides long-term support and resources that promote mental health care and wellness for victims’ families, responders, survivors, and families of those who have died of 9/11 related illnesses; and assists communities in preparing for and recovering from tragedy. For information, visit Voices Center for Resilience.
- The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) – The VCF provides compensation to individuals (or a personal representative of a deceased individual) who were present at one of the three crash sites during the following timeframes, and who have since been diagnosed with a 9/11-related physical illness:
- The World Trade Center or the surrounding New York City (NYC) Exposure Zone between 11 September 2001 and 30 May 2002;
- The Pentagon site between 11 September 2001 and 19 November 19 2001;
- The Shanksville, Pennsylvania site between 11 September 2001 and 3 October 2001.
For information, visit VCF.
- 9.11 World Trade Center Health Program (WTC) – The WTC Health Program provides medical monitoring and treatment of WTC-related health conditions for 9/11 responders and survivors. For more information, visit WTC.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Specialized trauma recovery programs have been designed to address the unique needs of survivors and first responders, who are at a higher risk of PTSD and other mental health conditions. For more information, visit NAMI.
The full impact of 9/11 can never be measured. It not only proved the strength and resilience of our nation but also our ability to come together as one. More importantly, it effected positive change. It shaped the national landscape, from policy reforms to national defense policies, military strategies, and operational focus. And, it drove the implementation of more effective support systems —ranging from healthcare programs to financial assistance and mental health services—which play a crucial role in helping those affected by this tragedy. As we observe Patriot Day, we must remember those we lost, those who rose to the challenge, and those who continue to fight in the name of freedom.
Social Sharing