September 11th

On a Tuesday morning before the world outside turned upside down, it was quiet and peaceful in the Washington D.C. Temple.

A year following the devastating terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, 11-year-old David Archuleta sang for the New York City Fire Department Engine 54, Ladder 4, Battalion 9, which was the only firehouse to have 15 firefighters, an entire shift, killed on September 11.

In 1991, Marriott opened the 37-story, 504-room Financial Center Marriott two blocks from the World Trade Center. It was the only competition for the nearby Vista International hotel, which was nestled between the massive 110-story Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.

On the 10th anniversary of 9/11 the Mormon Channel created a video sharing the inspiring story of one survivor and how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his faith helped him grapple with the guilt and trauma he experienced after the terrorist attacks. We wanted to share Victor's story to remember those whose lives were lost and others who lives were unalterably changed on September 11, 2001.

The messages and stories Church leaders shared in the wake of the devastation on 9/11 are ones we can apply in times of division, darkness, and even in times of prosperity. They are messages to live by that remind us what is most important in a world filled with death, destruction, hate, and also love.

The Lyceum Philharmonic and American Heritage youth Chorus, consisting mostly of high schoolers born after September 11, 2001, recorded a beautiful orchestral and choir composition called "Hymn of the Innocent" in memory of 9/11 and a tribute to the innocent lives lost.

What a beautiful story of how a town helped those stranded after a terrible tragedy and how their deeds led to service that has blessed lives for years to come.

On the 10-year anniversary of September 11th, President Thomas S. Monson shared a powerful message with the nation by writing an article for The Washington Post.

LDS multi award-winning independent pianist, violinist, and composer Jennifer Thomas collaborated with spoken word poet Jeremy Nelson (J.ournal Poems) to create "Nine Twelve," a music video inspired by the coming together of American citizens on the day after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

When Gordon B. Hinckley approached the pulpit at general conference in October 2001, the heinous attacks on September 11 were fresh in the minds of everyone listening around the world.

The following is a first-hand account written by a missionary serving near the World Trade Center towers on September 11, 2001.

As we observe the anniversary of 9/11, we take a look back through the eyes of LDS Church members who lost loved ones, narrowly escaped death, and helped with relief efforts. We also honor the victims who lost their lives—including five Latter-day Saints.

“Where were you on 9/11?”

(Click link to see gallery at Salt Lake Tribune.)

On Sunday, September 11, millions of households around the country will see a 9/11 tribute by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square on their Music and the Spoken Word broadcast. Narrated by Tom Brokaw, the special, titled “9/11: Rising Above,” is a salute to the American spirit in rising above the tragedy of September 11, 2001.

Andrew Kosorok was disturbed when some Americans began to view Islam as a religion of violence after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. “The overwhelming majority of Muslims view the terrorists as the overwhelming majority of Christians view Charles Manson or David Koresh,” said Kosorok, an artist and Brigham Young University adjunct professor. “We don’t recognize what they practiced as being Christian.”

For nine years, teenagers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Ahwatukee Foothills have worked together to remind the community of those who were lost during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, by posting more than 100 American flags along the Warner-Elliot Loop for a 24-hour period. "It was just an idea from the bishop that preceded me on the first anniversary of 9/11," said Kerry Griggs, bishop of Ahwatukee First Ward. "It was something we could do to provide a little service to the community and serve as a reminder."

The calamity of September 11th, 2001 has cast a long shadow. Ten years later, many of us are still haunted by its terrible tragedy of lost lives and broken hearts. It is an episode of anguish that has become a defining moment in the history of the American nation and the world. This week, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, along with Tom Brokaw, will pay its own homage to the unforgettable events of September 11, 2001. There was, as many have noted, a remarkable surge of faith following the tragedy. People across the United States rediscovered the need for God and turned to Him for solace and understanding. Comfortable times were shattered. We felt the great unsteadiness of life and reached for the great steadiness of our Father in Heaven. And, as ever, we found it. Americans of all faiths came together in a remarkable way.

“Where were you on 9/11?”

On Sept. 11, 2001, countless lives were forever changed when terrorists hijacked and crashed planes into the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Arlington, Va. Thousands of lives were snuffed out in an instant — passengers and crews on four planes, people in buildings that three of those planes crashed into, rescue workers and others who rushed to their aid and bystanders at the scenes. Within hours of these tragic events, Mormon church leaders responded with a statement that read:“In this hour of sorrow, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expresses profound sympathy to those whose loved ones, friends and associates were lost or injured in today’s senseless acts of violence. We offer our prayers in behalf of the innocent victims of these vicious attacks. We ask Heavenly Father to guide President Bush and his advisors as they respond to these devastating incidents. We join with others in prayers that the Savior’s peace and love will comfort and guide us all through this difficult time. The resources of the Church will be made available to any relief agencies requesting assistance.”

Five years ago, I stood at Ground Zero in New York City. While attending the Memorial Museum, the magnitude of the calamity enveloped me. There are walls of postcards with thousands of written accounts from people all over the world. My personal story seems trite compared to others. Nonetheless, I believe that each individual’s experience on Sept. 11, 2001 serves as an eye-witness against the evil targeted at America.My morning began as usual, watching the news while getting ready for work. The breaking bulletin of airplanes crashing into New York City’s Twin Towers was mind-boggling. I had to force myself to get ready for teaching preschool. I remember looking deeply into the mirror while applying my make-up. The black eyeliner upon my eyes suddenly seemed symbolic of the darkness our nation was facing.

Celebrated news anchor Tom Brokaw joins the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square for a special Music and the Spoken Word which commemorates the ten-year anniversary of 9/11. The special, entitled “9/11: Rising Above,” will air on radio, television, cable networks and Internet channels around the country.Choir music director Mack Wilberg said the program will focus on how Americans have risen above the grief and loss of that September day. “The message of this show is that—as individuals and as a nation—we can find healing and strength in adversity and literally rise above all the negatives.”