Vigil in Union Square Park, New York City. Photo by Brandon Remler.
Memorializing 9/11
Why is it important to remember 9/11?
The events of September 11, 2001, irrevocably changed the lives of victims’ families and friends, survivors, first responders, rescue and recovery workers, volunteers, and millions of Americans and people around the world. Today, the legacies of the attacks continue to affect foreign policy, national security, civic discourse, airline security, building safety, the law, and countless individual lives.
The attacks also provide numerous examples of individuals helping others in whatever ways they could, often at the expense of their own safety, under difficult circumstances. Their humanity and selflessness offer a counter to the horror of that day and provide an example as we face difficult moments today and moving forward.
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum, located at the site of the original World Trade Center complex, is the country’s principal institution concerned with exploring 9/11, documenting its impact, and examining its continuing significance. Remembering and honoring the 2,977 people killed in the 9/11 attacks and the six people killed in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing is at the heart of its mission.
Primary Sources
These primary resources include speeches, executive orders, legislative acts and debates, and government reports.
April 28, 2003
Lower Manhattan Development Corporation Memorial Guidelines
January 13, 2004
World Trade Center Memorial Jury Statement for Winning Design
September 11, 2008
U.S. President George W. Bush Attends Dedication of 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
Suggested Reading List
14 Cows for America
Carmen Agra Deedy (author), Thomas Gonzalez (illustrator). Peachtree Publishing Company, 2016.
(Preschool–Grade 3)
30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag
Amanda Davis (author), Sally Wern Comport (illustrator). WorthyKids, 2021.
(Kindergarten–Grade 3)
Towers Falling
Jewell Parker Rhodes, 2016, Little, Brown and Company
(Grades 3–7)
No Day Shall Erase You: The Story of 9/11 as told by the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
Edited by Alice M. Greenwald. Rizzoli Electa, 2016.
A Place of Remembrance
Allison Blais and Lynn Rasic. National Geographic, 2015.
The Stories They Tell
Edited by Clifford Chanin and Alice M. Greenwald. Rizzoli Electa, 2013.
9/11: The Culture of Commemoration
Dennis Smith. University of Chicago Press, 2006
Portraits in Grief 9/11/2001
Howard Raines. Times Books, 2002
Related Resources
These related resources include lesson plans, past public programs, and feature galleries on Inside the Collection.