New York City honors the 12th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks with a special ceremony to remember all who lost their lives.
On Sept. 11, 2011, 19 terrorists hijacked four commercial airlines, killing a total of 2,983 people on the tragic day. The first plane crashed into the North World Trade Center Tower at 8:46 a.m., the second plane struck the South Tower at 9:37 a.m.
At 9:37 a.m., Flight 77 struck the Pentagon. At 9:59 a.m., the world watched the South Tower fall, followed by the North Tower at 10:28 a.m.
The fourth plane, Flight 93, was overtaken by the passengers and crew, who fought back against the hijackers preventing the planned attack on the Capitol Building in Washington D.C., losing their lives in the process.
"Even after the passage of 12 years, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 appear no less horrific or senseless than they did that day," Sen. Joe Kyrillos told the crowd, who is slated to attend the Middletown ceremony. "More importantly, the memories of lost loved ones are no less honored today than then."
Wednesday's ceremony was held at the memorial plaza built two years ago to remember the attacks. Thousands of friends and family of the 9/11 victims gathered at ground zero to honor their loved ones.
Several moments of silence were held, along with relatives of the victims reciting the names of 2,983 people who died.
"I miss you every moment," said the mom of Joshua Todd Aron after reading his name.
"The FDNY will also hold a Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine before the laying of wreaths at the Fire Museum at 1 p.m. for the 353 fire department members who died in the attacks," The Wall Street Journal reports.
Amongst the many kind words being said today, there is one phrase all Americans are repeating: Never Forget. Twelve years later, the United States has not forgotten.
Watch live stream coverage of the 9/11 memorial, here.
