Reese Witherspoon and Chris Pratt lead 9/11 tributes on social media

Hollywood commemorated 9/11 Friday, on the 19th anniversary of the attacks.

Amid a year filled with national crises including the coronavirus pandemic, heightened racial tensions and now wildfires raging across the US, several stars took a moment to remember the thousands of lives lost on September 11 2001. 

Actor Chris Pratt took to social media to mark the day, writing, ‘May we honor the fallen with our continued defense of liberty, one nation, under God, indivisible. May we continually pursue a more perfect union. 

‘And may we never forget, not only the fallen, but the values for which we stand, lest their death be in vain. #911 #september11 #unitedwestand’ the Guardians of the Galaxy star added.

Chris’ tribute came alongside an image of the Manhattan skyline at night with two beams of light (Tribute in Light) shining up into the sky in the place where the two World Trade Center towers once stood. 

Over the image are the words ‘We will never forget’. 

The September 11 attacks were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamist terrorist group al-Qaeda against the United States on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001. 

2,977 people lost their lives at the trade center, at the Pentagon in Washington and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. It is the single deadliest terrorist attack in human history. 

Reese Witherpoon also made a tribute post, writing, ‘Today we honor and remember the fallen victims and heroes of 9/11. My thoughts are with all the families and friends who experienced unimaginable loss.’ 

The Departed star Mark Wahlberg also shared a tribute to Instagram, writing, ‘Today, we honor those we lost on 9/11 and all the first responders, including civilians, who risked their lives to help their fellow citizens. 

‘Let’s try to remember that feeling of unity in our country during these difficult times. #UnitedWeStand #NeverForget.’

Actress Michelle Pfeiffer posted a sunset snap of Manhattan with the Statue of Liberty in the foreground.

Pfeiffer included a quote in her tribute, ‘”If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate.” – Sandy Dahl, wife of Jason Dahl, pilot of Flight 93.

‘We remember the innocent civilians and first responders who lost their lives on this horrific day 19 years ago.’ the Batman Returns star wrote. 

Kim Kardashian shared a snap of the twin towers to her Instagram stories with the message, ‘Never forget 9/11. Sending Love and Light to everyone today. 

Her sister Khloe shared a similar post which simply said, ‘may we never forget’ and ’19 years later we remember’.

New York residents Alec and Hilaria Baldwin also commemorated the day, just as they brought home newborn son Eduardo.

Hilaria shared a photo of the family of seven snuggled up on the sofa as she wrote about teaching her children about the significance of 9/11. 

‘Yesterday, when we got home with Edu, after the initial wildness of meeting him, we watched a movie of their choice. Two tired parents, all of our Baldwinitos together…hearts full. 

‘Today we wake up to 9/11 and I think about my little New Yorkers, my little beings of this next generation. We talk to them about the significance of today, in different ways to each, as they are different ages. 

‘We remember, we mourn, and we honor. As their mother, I meditate on how I can raise them to make this planet more peaceful, more respected, and safer.’ 

Modern Family actress Sarah Hyland, who was born in Manhattan, wrote about how people came together on 9/11.

The 29-year-old actress, who would have been 10 at the time of the terrorist attacks, wrote, ‘My heart is with my hometown today. It’s with all the lives lost and their families, all of the first responders who fearlessly ran in to a building of uncertainty, and every single New Yorker that lived to tell that day. 

‘We came together not only as a city, but as a nation. We were united. I remember every single detail of September 11th. A day I will #neverforget’.

Another New York native, Kerry Washington, told of her pride at how the city has overcome it’s darkest days.

‘I’m from New York. I was built by New York. I love New York. 9/11 is always a reminder to me why I love this city and what #NewYorkStrong actually means. This year more than ever this city has had to covercome so much & the people never fail to make me proud. #NeverForget’ the Scandal star wrote.

Around the country, some communities have canceled 9/11 commemorations because of the pandemic, while others are going ahead, sometimes with modifications.

In New York, victims’ relatives gathered Friday morning for split-screen remembrances, one at the September 11 memorial plaza at the World Trade Center and another on a nearby corner, set up by a separate 9/11-related organization. 

Memorial leaders said the change for the 19th anniversary of the attacks was a coronavirus-safety precaution.