Due to the sensitive nature, and considering the time frame and equipment with which they were captured, the majority of the photographs used in this exhibit will appear pixelated.
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, forever changed the United States
and the U.S. Army. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the attacks, please feel free to explore this online exhibit of artifacts, art, images, and Soldier stories which reflect the Army's experience surrounding 9/11.
This online exhibit covers social and cultural elements associated with the acts of terrorism perpetrated against the United States on September 11, 2001, and the ensuing Global War on Terrorism. Some exhibit material may be considered sensitive by visitors.
New York City (2001-09-11) by New York National GuardNational Museum of the United States Army
New York City
At 8:46 a.m. and 9:03 a.m., a coordinated terrorist attack flew two hijacked airplanes into the World Trade Center towers in New York City.
The PentagonNational Museum of the United States Army
The Pentagon
The Pentagon, home of the Department of Defense, is located in Arlington, Virginia, just across the river from Washington, D.C. At 9:37 a.m. on September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 77 flew into the west wall of the building's first floor, setting off a chain of events.
On Fire (2001-09-11) by The 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)National Museum of the United States Army
On Fire
The coordinated attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania would stun the nation.
Flight 93 Crash Site (2001-09) by National Park ServiceNational Museum of the United States Army
Flight 93
At 10:03 a.m., four hijackers crash Flight 93 in a field near the town of Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew storm the cockpit. All 40 individuals onboard perish.
Plan Accordingly (2002) by Col. Gary N. CassidyNational Museum of the United States Army
Plan Accordingly
At 10:15 a.m., a damaged section of the Pentagon's west-facing outer ring collapses.
Sentinel (2001-09) by New York National GuardNational Museum of the United States Army
Searching
After burning for 56 minutes, at 9:59 a.m. the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapses in just 10 seconds. More than 800 civilians and first responders are killed. At 10:28 a.m., the North Tower follows after burning for 102 minutes, killing more than 1,600 people.
Transport (2001-09-12) by The 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)National Museum of the United States Army
Response
First Responders scramble to mobilize to the attack at both the World Trade Center and Pentagon. Soldiers and National Guardsman quickly deploy from their homes and Army installations nearby.
U.S. Flag (1998) by U.S. ArmyNational Museum of the United States Army
U.S. Flag
Days later, professional Army museum curators are allowed into the Pentagon to identify and collect items of historical interest.
“None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.” - U.S. President George W. Bush, September 11, 2001
Point of No Return (2004) by 1st Lt. Heather EnglehartNational Museum of the United States Army
Point of No Return
In the days following the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, the U.S. Army and its Soldiers would enter Afghanistan to combat al Qaeda's operations. The ensuing Global War on Terrorism continues today.