On Sept. 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people were killed on America’s worst day of terrorism as 19 al-Qaida terrorists hijacked four passenger jetliners. Two planes smashed into New York’s World Trade Center, causing the twin towers to fall; one plowed into the Pentagon; and the fourth crashed into a field in western Pennsylvania.

On Tuesday night, two glorious beams of light will pierce the New York skyline where the Twin Towers used to be in remembrance of everyone who lost their lives on that fateful morning. It’s an occurrence that has become a staple on the anniversary.
 
Victims’ families and others will gather and grieve Tuesday at ground zero, the Pentagon and near Shanksville, Pa., for the first time after the emotional turning point of last year’s 10th anniversary.

Click here for a moving tribute in pictures from The Blaze.

 U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee released the following statement commemorating the eleventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.:

“On this eleventh anniversary of that horribly catastrophic day in September, we honor and remember those who have been taken from us.  We give thanks for our military members who sacrifice so much.  We pray for those families who lost loved ones on that day and in the days since as our men and women in uniform have fought to defend this nation.  We have grateful hearts for victories we have achieved and the attacks that have been prevented, and we look with optimism to the future.  America must choose the best path forward as we remain steadfast and vigilant in doing what is best to protect our nation and our people.  

“September 11, 2001 forever changed our nation.  The ashes of those evil acts gave rise to the unity, courage, strength and good will that makes America the greatest nation in the world.”