Answering the Call: 25 Years After 9/11
Video caption: This video was created by The Salvation Army Eastern Territory in recognition of the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. The video runs for 17 minutes, representing the exact time between the impact of American Airlines Flight 11 into the North Tower at 8:46 a.m. and United Airlines Flight 175 into the South Tower at 9:03 a.m. on September 11, 2001.
For 25 years, The Salvation Army has stood alongside those impacted by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, remembering not only the lives lost, but also the extraordinary response that followed. When the attacks unfolded in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, Salvation Army officers, staff, and volunteers were among the first to respond, mobilizing within hours to support first responders, survivors, grieving families, and recovery workers.
Ground Zero, New York
At Ground Zero in New York, Salvation Army canteens were serving responders from the earliest days of the rescue effort. Teams provided meals, drinks, supplies, emotional care, prayer, and practical support to firefighters, police officers, construction crews, and other personnel working tirelessly at the site. As recovery operations continued, Salvation Army staff remained a constant presence, offering comfort and encouragement to those carrying out one of the most difficult missions in American history.
The Pentagon, Virginia
At the Pentagon, Salvation Army personnel arrived within hours of the attack and established support operations just steps from the impact site. They provided food, refreshments, and a place of respite for military personnel, investigators, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and recovery teams. Beyond meeting physical needs, Salvation Army teams offered a listening ear, compassionate presence, and spiritual support during long weeks of recovery work.
Shanksville, Pennsylvania
In western Pennsylvania, a group of Salvation Army personnel happened to be meeting less than 10 miles from where United Flight 93 crashed near Shanksville. Their proximity allowed The Salvation Army to respond almost immediately, providing meals, refreshments, prayer, Bibles, and encouragement to the thousands of first responders, investigators, and recovery workers who served at the site in the days and months that followed.
Shanksville, PA: A Plane Overhead. A Nation Under Attack. A Call to Serve.
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Extracts from a letter to employees, officers and leaders of The Salvation Army 19 days after the 9/11 tragedy
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A Message from the National Commander of The Salvation Army
25 Years After 9/11: Honoring Those Who Served On 9/11
Watch VideoAs the emergency response transitioned into long-term recovery, The Salvation Army's work expanded to include family assistance, grief counseling, financial support, volunteer coordination, warehouse operations, and spiritual care. Across all three sites, Salvation Army teams served not only those directly affected by the attacks, but also the people working behind the scenes helping communities heal and rebuild.
Long after the headlines faded, The Salvation Army remained. Officers, staff, and volunteers continued serving as recovery efforts continued, reflecting a simple promise shared with many responders in the aftermath of 9/11: The Salvation Army would be there for as long as it was needed. The organization's commitment to service became one of the defining stories of the response, earning the trust of countless first responders, survivors, and families across all three sites.
Behind this national response are deeply personal stories of courage, compassion, sacrifice, and faith. Explore the stories below to hear firsthand accounts from the Salvation Army officers, staff, and volunteers who served at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and Flight 93.
If their example inspires you, there are still opportunities to serve today. Whether responding to disasters, supporting neighbors in need, or strengthening communities year-round, volunteers continue to make a difference every day. Sign up to volunteer and help serve others when they need it most.