WTC Arkansas Marking Sept. 11 Anniversary with Moment of Silence

ROGERS, Ark. — The World Trade Center Arkansas will observe a moment of silence on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 11, to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks.

The center will observe a three-minute moment of silence at 7:46 a.m. CST, when the first plane struck the south tower.

"As a proud partner of the Association, the World Trade Center Arkansas wants to join in remembering the lives lost on this tragic day 20 years ago," said Denise Thomas, CEO of the World Trade Center Arkansas.

Thomas, who has described the Association as a positive mediator and adviser on the world stage, believes it is in a unique position to help break down cultural barriers and improve international relations.

World Trade Center Arkansas was founded in 2007 through the vision of Sen. John Boozman and with the support of then-Rogers mayor Steve Womack. The center is a part of the World Trade Center Association, which encompasses a network of more than 320 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in 92 countries.

Boozman noted that this day of reflection allows Americans to "come together in a Day of Service to pay tribute to all those lost, injured or forever altered by the events of that terrible day."

"In the aftermath of 9/11, Americans came together. We transcended differences and divisions to stand as one people, united in sorrow and pain, but also in resolve and purpose, pledging to move forward with a renewed sense of shared identity and rekindled compassion for each other," Boozman said.

Womack also said the day allows Americans to "remember the united resolve that carried us forward."

"20 years ago, terrorists attacked our nation because of the freedom and ideals it embodies. We will always honor the innocent lives taken from us and the heroism shown in the immediate moments—and years—since that fateful day," Womack said.

"The loss we relive is a reminder of everything we must never forget to protect. On this solemn anniversary, we hold our fallen and their families in our hearts."

Rogers Mayor Greg Hines, a former police officer and deputy sheriff, said for many Americans, "the scenes of that day remain etched in our mind, something we will never forget."

"Each year on Sept. 11, we take time to remember the sacrifices made following the terrorist attacks on our country," Hines said.

"This year signals 20 years of reminders for those who lost a family member or friend that day. I pray for their continual comfort.  May we as a nation find unity, as we did in the days and weeks following those heinous attacks."

The World Trade Center Arkansas not only seeks to remember the fallen on this anniversary, but to honor those who lost loved ones and friends, and honor the survivors, who wear the physical and emotional scars of that tragic day. 

That message of unity is one that U of A interim Chancellor Charles Robinson hopes we can continue in perpetuity.

"I hope that in reflecting on this tragedy today we can also resolve to act with peace, unity and love in the future," Robinson said. "That would be the greatest way to honor the victims of 9/11."