Colbert and J-Stew Together Again

Jon Stewart Returns to The Daily Show

Sarah Vowell on Conan O'Brien's Show After 9-11

We Remember

11 Years Later

President Obama's commemorated the eleventh anniversary of 9-11during last Saturday's weekly address.  Here are his remarks:

This week, we mark the eleventh anniversary of the September 11th attacks. It’s a time to remember the nearly 3,000 innocent men, women and children we lost, and the families they left behind. It’s a chance to honor the courage of the first responders who risked their lives – on that day, and every day since. And it’s an opportunity to give thanks for our men and women in uniform who have served and sacrificed, sometimes far from home, to keep our country safe.

This anniversary is about them. It’s also a time to reflect on just how far we’ve come as a nation these past eleven years.

On that clear September morning, as America watched the towers fall, and the Pentagon burn, and the wreckage smoldering in a Pennsylvania field, we were filled with questions. Where had the attacks come from, and how would America respond? Would they fundamentally weaken the country we love? Would they change who we are?

The last decade has been a difficult one, but together, we have answered those questions and come back stronger as a nation.

We took the fight to al Qaeda, decimated their leadership, and put them on a path to defeat. And thanks to the courage and skill of our intelligence personnel and armed forces, Osama bin Laden will never threaten America again.

Instead of pulling back from the world, we’ve strengthened our alliances while improving our security here at home. As Americans, we refuse to live in fear. Today, a new tower rises above the New York skyline. And our country is stronger, safer and more respected in the world.
Instead of turning on each other, we’ve resisted the temptation to give in to mistrust and suspicion. I have always said that America is at war with al Qaeda and its affiliates – and we will never be at war with Islam or any other religion. We are the United States of America. Our freedom and diversity make us unique, and they will always be central to who we are as a nation.

Instead of changing who we are, the attacks have brought out the best in the American people. More than 5 million members of the 9/11 Generation have worn America’s uniform over the past decade, and we’ve seen an outpouring of goodwill towards our military, veterans, and their families. Together, they’ve done everything we’ve asked of them. We’ve ended the war in Iraq and brought our troops home. We brought an end to the Taliban regime. We’ve trained Afghan Security Forces, and forged a partnership with a new Afghan Government. And by the end 2014, the transition in Afghanistan will be complete and our war there will be over.

And finally, instead of turning inward with grief, we’ve honored the memory of those we lost by giving back to our communities, serving those in need, and reaffirming the values at the heart of who we are as a people. That’s why we mark September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Because we are one American family. And we look out for each other – not just on the difficult days, but every day.

Eleven years later, that’s the legacy of 9/11 – the ability to say with confidence that no adversary and no act of terrorism can change who we are. We are Americans, and we will protect and preserve this country we love. On this solemn anniversary, let’s remember those we lost, let us reaffirm the values they stood for, and let us keep moving forward as one nation and one people.

Never Forgotten, Forever Grateful

Spike Lee's tribute to the New York Fire Department. Thank you for the greatest rescue effort in the nation's history. Let's hear it for New York's Bravest. And to all other policemen, firefighters, first responders, EMS workers, and soldiers who serve their country.



You can download the song from iTunes to donate to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Or you can visit Denis Leary's Firefighter Foundation.

10 Years Later

Lord, take me where
you want me to go;
Let me meet who
you want me to meet;
Tell me what
... you want me to say, and
Keep me out of your way.
~ Father Mychal Judge, O.F.M.
Chaplain, New York Fire Department

Here's a beautiful Broadway tribute ad that aired after the 9-11 attacks.



We remember and pray for the innocent victims, the ones who lived through the tragedy, and the ones living with loss.

Joel Grey Looks Back on 9-11

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the survivors, victims, and families of those who perished in the 9-11 attacks.

Here's the 09 September 2011 version of Broadway stars singing New York, New York.

Broadway Stars sing New York, New York 2011

The Broadway League presented Broadway Unites 9-11 Day of Service and Remembrance at Duffy Square today. Joel Grey, Bebe Neuwirth, and Brian Stokes Mitchell joined cast members of current Broadway shows as they reprised New York, New York on the 10 year anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
You can join the 9-11 tribute movement, 911day.org.

Massachusetts Remembers 9-11

If you're in the Bay State, the Boston Pops Brass Ensemble will be performing at the Hatch Shell at 3 PM on the 10 year anniversary of the 9-11 tragedy. Beyond the 11th is sponsoring the Beyond the Bike ride, starting from Ground Zero and ending in Boston. The commemorative bike ride will culminate at the free tribute concert entitled Massachusetts Remembers.

Click HERE for more information.

In Memoriam

Here's a view of the Manhattan skyline from Liberty Island. Without the World Trade Center. News of Osama Bin Laden's death brought back memories of that day almost 10 years ago. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the families of the 9-11 victims. Special thanks to the first responders and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. We send more thank-yous to those still fighting.

Congratulations Mr. President!

9-11 Tribute in Light

The white objects have been identified as migrating birds who got disoriented by the lights.

Meet Me in the Stairwell

I've read this email before but I thought I'd share it with you on this day.

You say you will never forget where you were when
you heard the news On September 11, 2001.
Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room
with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I
held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the
peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it
is OK..I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed
breakfast to their children. I held her up as she
tried to understand his words and as she realized
he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a
woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been
knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said.
'Of course I will show you the way home - only
believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest
ministering to the injured and devastated souls.
I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He
heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,
with every prayer. I was with the crew as they
were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the
believers there, comforting and assuring them that their
faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan .
I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.
Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew
every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me
for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.
Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the
smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take
my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.
But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You
may not know why, but I do. However, if you were
there in that explosive moment in time, would you have
reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey
for you. But someday your journey will end. And I
will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may
be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are
'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

In memoriam

Ground Zero 2007


St. Paul's Chapel, place of refuge for 9-11 recovery workers

Battery Park, New York City

A changed skyline
We remember.

Last six years

My sister Lynn was here in New York on 11 September 2002. She drew these as I watched television coverage of that day's observances. Six years later, I think my feelings would still be best expressed by these drawings.

To find organizations providing assistance to 9-11 victims and their families , click here.