Watch Live: 9/11 Memorial Events Commemorating 22 Years Since Attacks, Honoring Victims

Annual 9/11 memorial ceremony held in lower Manhattan, 22 years after the Twin Towers collapsed. Livestream available.

On the 22nd anniversary of the devastating September 11, 2001, terrorist attack, a solemn ceremony is taking place in lower Manhattan to honor the memory of those who lost their lives. This annual event serves as a poignant reminder of the tragedy that unfolded when the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center collapsed, marking the deadliest terror attack on American soil. CBS News New York will be live streaming the 9/11 memorial coverage, commencing at 8:25 a.m. ET, which will include the reading of the names of the victims.

The horrifying events of that fateful day claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 individuals, as four planes were hijacked by members of the Al Qaeda terrorist group. Two of these planes were flown into the Twin Towers, causing their eventual collapse. Another plane was deliberately crashed into the Pentagon, while the fourth aircraft, United Flight 93, was thwarted by courageous passengers who fought back, leading to its crash in an open field in Pennsylvania.

The process of identifying the remains of those lost in the World Trade Center attack has been a painstaking and ongoing endeavor for over two decades. However, recent advancements in DNA technology have facilitated the identification of two victims just last week, offering a glimmer of closure and solace to their grieving families.

Furthermore, the repercussions of the World Trade Center attack extended beyond the immediate loss of life. The toxic air and debris released during the collapse exposed hundreds of thousands of individuals in lower Manhattan to hazardous conditions. Tragically, many have since succumbed to post-9/11 related illnesses, although the exact number remains unknown. Firefighter union leaders report that 341 members of the FDNY have lost their lives due to illnesses connected to the events of 9/11.

The sequence of events on September 11, 2001, unfolded with devastating speed. American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m. ET, resulting in the loss of all passengers and trapping individuals on the upper floors of the tower. Just seventeen minutes later, United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower, precipitating the collapse of both buildings. The South Tower fell shortly before 10 a.m., followed by the North Tower thirty minutes later.

At 9:37 a.m., American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon, claiming the lives of 184 individuals, including those on board the plane and those within the building. Sean Boger, who was present at the Pentagon during the attack, vividly recalls the harrowing sight of the plane hurtling towards the building. He describes the deafening sound of the impact, likening it to the noise of metal being sawed. Boger, stationed in the control tower for the Pentagon's helipad, was both shocked and incredulous at the sight of such a massive aircraft flying so perilously low towards their location.

A memorial observance is also being held at the Pentagon on Monday morning, honoring the lives lost in this tragic event.

Less than half an hour later, United Airlines Flight 93, the fourth hijacked plane, crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The passengers and crew on board had valiantly fought against the hijackers, leading to a democratic vote to regain control of the aircraft. Despite their heroic efforts, the plane ultimately crashed in an open area, resulting in the loss of all lives on board.

The Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial aptly acknowledges the selfless actions of those on Flight 93, recognizing that their bravery undoubtedly saved countless lives. However, it is with deep sorrow that we remember that all individuals on board this flight perished.

As we commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, let us honor the memories of those who were lost and pay tribute to the resilience and unity that emerged from the aftermath of this tragedy. May their legacy serve as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the power of unity in the face of adversity.

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