Remembering 9/11, 16 Years Later Through Photographs

Tania Hussain

09/10/2019 10:51 pm EDT

Sept. 11, 2017 will mark the 16th anniversary of 9/11. In honor of this tragic day, we pause to remember the events, the victims and heroism of this nation's first responders.

No matter where you were, everyone remembers exactly what they were doing when they found out the World Trade Center and Pentagon were attacked. It wasn't just a tragedy for America and its citizens, it was a tragedy for humanity and the world.

In honor of this year's anniversary, we revisit 16 powerful images that remind us of the events that unfolded at the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania. Though the sight of such images alone has become synonymous with feelings of shock and devastation, it has also proved to be a steadfast strength in our country's ability to rebuild.

Language cannot describe what happened that day better than the photographs that live on in our hearts, minds and in history books forever. They are not just our memories, but bookmarks to lives forever changed here and around the globe.

We thank all those who sacrificed their lives to help the victims of 9/11. You are not forgotten.

Disclosure: PopCulture. is owned by Paramount. Sign up for Paramount+ by clicking here.

Smoke pours from the twin towers of the World Trade Center after they were hit by two hijacked airliners in a terrorist attack in New York City, N.Y., Sept. 11, 2001.
Smoke comes out from the west wing of the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., after a plane crashed into the building and set off a huge explosion.
Civilians flee as a tower from the World Trade Center collapses after two airplanes slammed into the city's iconic Twin Towers.
Rubble of the World Trade Center burns up following a terrorist attack, Sept. 11, 2001 in New York City, N.Y.
Seen from New Jersey, smoke hangs over South Manhattan after the collapse of the twin towers in New York City, N.Y, Sept. 11, 2001.
Mike Scott of the California Task Force-8 and his rescue dog, Billy search through rubble for victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
After the towers collapse, a firefighter is seen breaking down outside what was once the World Trade Center.
Robert Peraza pauses at his late son Robert David Peraza's name at the North Pool of the 9/11 Memorial during the 10th anniversary ceremonies at the site of the World Trade Center.
A United States flag is displayed during the 10th anniversary ceremonies of the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center site in 2011.
Firemen pay their respects at the 9/11 memorial during the 11th anniversary ceremonies.
The World Trade Center Annual Memorial Lights, located at West and Morris Streets in Lower Manhattan, which illuminated the sky for one-night from sundown until dawn.
Carrie Bergonia looks over the name of her fiance, firefighter Joseph Ogren at the 9/11 Memorial during ceremonies for the 12th annivesary in New York City, N.Y. on Sept. 11, 2013.
HRH Sophie, Countess of Wessex visits The National September 11th Memorial Museum on Nov. 11, 2015 in New York City, N.Y.
A rose is placed on a name engraved along the South reflecting pool at the Ground Zero memorial site during the dedication ceremony of the National September 11 Memorial Museum in New York, N.Y., May 15, 2014.
A memorial to the victims of the World Trade Center disaster on display.
One World Trade Center towers over lower Manhattan on Nov. 12, 2013 in New York City, N.Y. The building is the tallest building in North America, a title previously held by Willis Tower in Chicago, Ill.
Latest News