Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of 9/11

Where were you on Sept. 11, 2001? Many of us vividly recall where we were when we saw the news. History, for those old enough to remember, was divided into “before” and “after” the tragedy. 

Sat., Sept. 11 marks 20 years since the devastating attacks. In commemoration of the anniversary, here are ways to take a moment to pause and reflect: 

Sept. 11 Exhibit at The Lone Star Flight Museum

The Lone Star Flight Museum is presenting a new exhibit, Never Forget: Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, remembering and honoring the 2,977 people killed in the terrorist attacks, including the first responders. The names of each of these individuals cover the gallery walls. In addition, an 11-foot section of a World Trade Center I-Beam is displayed as part of the exhibit; it’s on loan from the City of Bellaire. The beam was donated by the Rubenstein Family Foundation to the City of Bellaire to share this piece of history with the community. 

A guest book is also on display to allow visitors to leave their name or a reflection about Sept. 11. Upon closing of the exhibit, the guest book will be donated to the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City. 

As part of the exhibit, the Lone Star Flight Museum is offering programs that include age-appropriate activities, including live, virtual tours of the National 9/11 Museum & Memorial and an inspiring talk by Billy Forney, a Houstonian and 9/11 survivor. On Saturday, Sept. 11 and Sunday, Sept. 12, all first responders and their families will get free admission to the museum, up to four guests per family. 

Never Forget: Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 is included with a general admission ticket and free to museum members. The exhibit runs through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2022. See more details here.

Serve with Volunteer Houston 

Volunteer Houston is participating in a nationwide day of virtual, remote, and in-person volunteering. Browse volunteer opportunities here. 

Volunteer Houston, a program of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, will remember 9/11 by participating in a nationwide day of virtual, remote, and in-person volunteering. The goal is to inspire one million good deeds in support of local causes. This effort is being led nationally by Points of Light, 9/11 Day, and the Corporation for National and Community Service. 

Find volunteer opportunities here. Participants are asked to pause for a moment of silence during their service project.

To spread a message of hope, individuals that complete good deeds during the 9/11 Day of Service are encouraged to share their experience on social media with the hashtags #911day and #volunteerhouston. Individuals who volunteer at least one hour during the 9/11 Days of Service and report their service on the Volunteer Houston web portal will earn a 9/11 Day Volunteer 2021 digital badge. 

See more information here. 

9/11 Mural, Downtown

A new mural created by Donkeeboy has been unveiled in downtown honoring first responders for the 20th anniversary of September 11. View the art on Caroline and Walker St. downtown. 

9/11 Memorial & Museum

On September 11, family members of 9/11 victims will gather at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum to read aloud the names of those killed in the 9/11 attacks and in the World Trade Center bombing. See more here.

Add a reflection about 9/11 here.  

The Never Forget Fund supports the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s efforts to ensure future generations never forget 9/11.