NYC Marks 9/11 Anniversary 22 Years After Attacks: Here's What To Know

NEW YORK CITY — A somber tradition returns as New York City marks the 22nd year since the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

The anniversary Monday largely will center around a Commemoration Ceremony attended by 9/11 families, city leaders and other dignitaries at the site of the former World Trade Center towers.

But much more is scheduled to unfold as the city looks back on a tragic day more than two decades ago.

Here's what New Yorkers need to know.

The Commemoration Ceremony organized by 9/11 Memorial & Museum begins at 8:30 a.m.

As in past years, family members of 9/11 victims will read aloud the names of those killed in the attacks, as well as the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

The ceremony's first moment of silence will be observed at 8:46 a.m.— the moment on a clear blue day when hijackers flew a jet into the World Trade Center's North Tower.

This year, President Joe Biden won't attend the ceremony, or any traditional 9/11 events. He'll be in Alaska at a military base as he returns from a trip to Asia, White House officials announced.

Instead, Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, will be in Lower Manhattan for the ceremony.

Biden's absence was harshly critiqued by former New York Gov. George Pataki, who called it a "disgrace" during a recent WABC radio interview.

At least one presidential hopeful will be in Manhattan during the anniversary. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is scheduled to meet with families of 9/11 victims, the New York Post first reported.

New Yorkers can stream the Commemoration Ceremony starting at 8:30 a.m. by clicking here.

Many New Yorkers probably already saw the other major 9/11 commemoration: the "Tribute in Light."

The twin beams were tested last week in preparation for their main display during the evening of Monday, Sept. 11 itself.

The installation shoots beams up to four miles in the sky and can be viewed from a 60-mile radius around Lower Manhattan, according to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

The display will run from dusk to dawn.

Sept. 11 is also a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

And service is exactly what the New York Blood Center has called for this year.

The center's leaders have called on New Yorkers to donate blood to honor the victims of the attacks.

"This September, we are calling on all New Yorkers to honor those who lost their lives twenty-two years ago by helping to ensure there are life-saving blood donations available for those who need it most," said Andrea Cefarelli, senior vice president of New York Blood Center, in a statement. "In the spirit of giving back to the community, we encourage all eligible donors to sign up to donate blood today, one hour of your time can save up to three lives."

Blood donors can find their nearest donor center, out of 18 across the region, listed here. The center host these blood drives:

• Huntington Hospital (270 Park Ave., Huntington, NY 11743) from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Hampton Bays Public Library (52 Ponquogue Ave, Hampton Bays, NY 11946) from 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Stony Brook University (100 Nicolls Rd, Stony Brook, NY 11794) from 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• St. Sylvester Church (856 Targee St, Staten Island, NY 10304) from 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (7420 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209) from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• One Brooklyn Health Brookdale (One Brookdale Plaza. Brooklyn, NY 11212) from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• JCC Staten Island (1466 Manor Rd, Staten Island, NY, United States, New York) from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• St. John & St. Joachim (31 Willow St, Beacon, NY 12508) from 2:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• County of Westchester (Westchester County Center - 198 Central Ave, White Plains, NY 10606) from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Kean University (Miron Student Center - 1000 Morris Ave., Room 228, Union, NJ 07083) from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Clark Volunteer Emergency Squad (875 Raritan Rd, Clark, NJ 07066) from 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• South Brunswick High School (750 Ridge Rd, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852) from 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.