9/11 Remembered: The Day That Changed New York City and the World Forever

Honoring the Lives Lost and the Heroes of September 11, 2001

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

New York NY, on September 11, 2025, New York City and the nation pause to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, a day that reshaped history. The annual ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in Lower Manhattan will feature the solemn reading of victims’ names and moments of silence, uniting Americans in a vow to “never forget.” This day honors the 2,977 lives lost, the bravery of first responders, and the resilience of a nation. Here’s a look back at the events of 9/11, the timeline of that tragic day, and its lasting impact. Stay updated with live coverage here.

The 9/11 Attacks: What Happened?

On September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists from the al-Qaeda extremist group hijacked four commercial airplanes, orchestrating coordinated attacks that struck the heart of America. Two planes crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, one hit the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and a fourth, intended for a target in Washington, D.C., crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after heroic passengers and crew fought back.

The attacks claimed 2,977 lives, including civilians, first responders, and military personnel. The collapse of the Twin Towers and the destruction at the Pentagon left an indelible mark on the nation, sparking a global fight against terrorism and profound changes in security and policy.

Timeline of the 9/11 Attacks

Here’s a detailed timeline of the events that unfolded on that fateful day:

• 5:45 a.m. – 19 hijackers begin passing through airport security at various locations.

• 7:59 a.m. – American Airlines Flight 11 departs Boston’s Logan Airport for Los Angeles with 92 people, including 5 hijackers.

• 8:15 a.m. – United Airlines Flight 175 takes off from Boston for Los Angeles with 64 people, including 5 hijackers.

• 8:19 a.m. – Flight 11 crew members Betty Ann Ong and Madeline Amy Sweeney report the hijacking, providing critical details to ground personnel.

• 8:20 a.m. – American Airlines Flight 77 departs Washington Dulles Airport for Los Angeles with 65 people, including 5 hijackers.

• 8:24 a.m. – A hijacker on Flight 11 accidentally alerts ground control, and Flight 175’s pilot, Victor J. Saracini, notifies the FAA of the hijacking.

• 8:40 a.m. – The FAA alerts NORAD’s Northeast Air Defense Sector about Flight 11’s suspected hijacking. Air National Guard jets are mobilized.

• 8:42 a.m. – United Airlines Flight 93 departs Newark for San Francisco with 44 people, including 5 hijackers.

• 8:43 a.m. – FAA notifies NORAD about the suspected hijacking of Flight 175.

• 8:46 a.m. – First plane hits: American Airlines Flight 11 crashes into the North Tower of the World Trade Center (floors 93-99), severing emergency stairwells and trapping hundreds.

• 8:50 a.m. – President George W. Bush, at a Florida elementary school, is informed of the North Tower crash.

• 8:59 a.m. – Evacuation orders are issued for the Twin Towers and the World Trade Center complex.

• 9:03 a.m. – Second plane hits: United Airlines Flight 175 crashes into the South Tower (floors 77-85), trapping many above the impact zone.

• 9:05 a.m. – President Bush is notified of the second crash, signaling a deliberate attack.

• 9:08 a.m. – FAA bans all flights in New York Center airspace.

• 9:12 a.m. – Flight 77 passengers alert family members of the hijacking, who notify authorities.

• 9:21 a.m. – All bridges and tunnels into Manhattan are closed.

• 9:24 a.m. – FAA notifies NORAD of Flight 77’s suspected hijacking.

• 9:26 a.m. – FAA grounds all civilian aircraft nationwide.

• 9:31 a.m. – President Bush calls the crashes an “apparent terrorist attack” from Florida.

• 9:37 a.m. – Third plane hits: American Airlines Flight 77 crashes into the Pentagon’s western face.

• 9:45 a.m. – The FAA orders all aircraft to land immediately, with over 4,500 planes in the air. The U.S. Capitol and White House begin evacuations.

• 9:58 a.m. – Flight 93 passenger Edward P. Felt calls 911 from a bathroom.

• 9:59 a.m. – The South Tower collapses after burning for 56 minutes, killing over 800 people.

• 10:03 a.m. – Fourth plane crashes: United Airlines Flight 93 crashes in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers storm the cockpit, preventing an attack on Washington, D.C.

• 10:15 a.m. – A section of the Pentagon’s E Ring collapses.

• 10:28 a.m. – The North Tower collapses after burning for 102 minutes, killing over 1,600 people.

• 11:02 a.m. – New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani orders the evacuation of Lower Manhattan.

• 1:04 p.m. – President Bush announces global military high alert from Barksdale Air Force Base.

• 2:51 p.m. – U.S. Navy deploys missile destroyers to New York and Washington.

• 3:07 p.m. – President Bush arrives at Strategic Command in Nebraska.

• 5:25 p.m. – The 47-story 7 World Trade Center collapses after burning for hours.

• 8:30 p.m. – President Bush addresses the nation, vowing justice and resilience, quoting Psalm 23: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for you are with me.”

The Heroes of 9/11

The attacks brought out extraordinary acts of bravery. Firefighters, police officers, and volunteers risked and often lost their lives at Ground Zero, working tirelessly in rescue and recovery efforts. The passengers and crew of Flight 93 heroically fought back, preventing further devastation. Their courage remains a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Tragically, the FDNY reports that more members have died from 9/11-related illnesses than were killed during the attacks, highlighting the long-term toll on first responders.

President Bush’s Address to the Nation

That evening, President George W. Bush addressed the nation, saying:

“Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts… These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong… America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.”

His words rallied a grieving nation, emphasizing unity and resolve in the face of tragedy.

The Lasting Impact of 9/11

The 9/11 attacks transformed national security, leading to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the Patriot Act, and sweeping changes in airport security. The tragedy also sparked a global war on terror, reshaping U.S. foreign policy. For New Yorkers, the loss of the Twin Towers and nearly 3,000 lives left a permanent scar, but the city’s resilience endures.

Today, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum stands as a place of reflection, honoring the victims and educating future generations. The annual ceremony reinforces the nation’s commitment to remembrance and unity.

Why We Remember

As we mark this somber anniversary, we honor the lives lost, the heroes who responded, and the strength of a nation that refused to be broken. The 9/11 attacks remind us of the fragility of life and the power of solidarity. Let us continue to support the survivors, first responders, and families affected by this tragedy.

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