A moment of silence is held Saturday at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York. From left are former President Bill Clinton; former first lady and US Sen. Hillary Clinton; former President Barack Obama; former first lady Michelle Obama; President Joe Biden; first lady Jill Biden; former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg; Bloomberg's partner, Diana Taylor; and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The week in 40 photos
A moment of silence is held Saturday at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York. From left are former President Bill Clinton; former first lady and US Sen. Hillary Clinton; former President Barack Obama; former first lady Michelle Obama; President Joe Biden; first lady Jill Biden; former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg; Bloomberg's partner, Diana Taylor; and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Chip Somodevilla/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

Published 7:41 PM EDT, Thu September 16, 2021

The past week marked a somber milestone in the United States as we stopped to remember those killed in the September 11 terrorist attacks 20 years ago.

Memorial services were held in New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, and President Joe Biden visited all three sites. In New York, he was joined by former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

"These memorials are really important," Biden said during his stop in Pennsylvania. "But they're also incredibly difficult for the people affected by them, because it brings back the moment they got the phone call, it brings back the instant they got the news, no matter how years go by."

Take a look at more photos from that day and other major news stories from September 10 to September 16.

Emma Raducanu celebrates after <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/11/tennis/us-open-womens-final-raducanu-fernandez-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank">winning the US Open tennis tournament</a> on Saturday, September 11. Raducanu, 18, is the first qualifier in the history of the Open Era to win a major title. She defeated fellow teen Leylah Fernandez in the final 6-4, 6-3.
Emma Raducanu celebrates after winning the US Open tennis tournament on Saturday, September 11. Raducanu, 18, is the first qualifier in the history of the Open Era to win a major title. She defeated fellow teen Leylah Fernandez in the final 6-4, 6-3.
Elsa/Getty Images
The main booster returns to Earth after a SpaceX rocket launched four people — none of whom are professional astronauts — into the planet's orbit on Wednesday, September 15. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/15/us/gallery/spacex-tourism-flight-inspiration4/index.html" target="_blank">This mission,</a> dubbed Inspiration4, is the first orbital mission in the history of spaceflight to be staffed entirely by tourists or otherwise non-astronauts.
The main booster returns to Earth after a SpaceX rocket launched four people — none of whom are professional astronauts — into the planet's orbit on Wednesday, September 15. This mission, dubbed Inspiration4, is the first orbital mission in the history of spaceflight to be staffed entirely by tourists or otherwise non-astronauts.
John Kraus/Inspiration4
Rapper Lil Nas X attends the Met Gala in New York on Monday, September 13. He went for a succession of rapid costume changes, removing a gigantic velvet robe to reveal a suit of golden armor and then a sparkling golden jumpsuit. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/style/article/met-gala-2021-red-carpet-photos/" target="_blank">See more photos from the red carpet</a>
Rapper Lil Nas X attends the Met Gala in New York on Monday, September 13. He went for a succession of rapid costume changes, removing a gigantic velvet robe to reveal a suit of golden armor and then a sparkling golden jumpsuit. See more photos from the red carpet
John Shearer/WireImage/Getty Images
Former Olympic gymnast McKayla Maroney testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, September 15. Maroney, Simone Biles, Maggie Nichols and Aly Raisman <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/15/politics/gymnasts-senate-judiciary-committee-larry-nassar-hearing/index.html" target="_blank">ripped the FBI and the Justice Department</a> for how FBI agents mishandled abuse allegations brought against Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor now serving a long prison sentence. "They allowed a child molester to go free for more than a year, and this inaction directly allowed Nassar's abuse to continue," Maroney said.
Former Olympic gymnast McKayla Maroney testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, September 15. Maroney, Simone Biles, Maggie Nichols and Aly Raisman ripped the FBI and the Justice Department for how FBI agents mishandled abuse allegations brought against Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor now serving a long prison sentence. "They allowed a child molester to go free for more than a year, and this inaction directly allowed Nassar's abuse to continue," Maroney said.
Saul Loeb/Pool/AFP/Getty Images
Students arrive for the first day of school at the Mott Hall Bridges Academy in Brooklyn, New York, on Monday, September 13. Students in New York City's public schools —the nation's largest school district — <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/13/us/new-york-city-back-to-school-covid/index.html" target="_blank">were welcomed back to the classroom Monday</a> for full-time, in-person learning, joining school districts across the country confronting a new academic year amid Covid-19.
Students arrive for the first day of school at the Mott Hall Bridges Academy in Brooklyn, New York, on Monday, September 13. Students in New York City's public schools —the nation's largest school district — were welcomed back to the classroom Monday for full-time, in-person learning, joining school districts across the country confronting a new academic year amid Covid-19.
Chang W. Lee/The New York Times/Redux
A squirrel raids a nut-harvesting machine on a farm near Elkton, Oregon, on Saturday, September 11. The farmer set a live trap with hopes of catching and relocating the bandit.
A squirrel raids a nut-harvesting machine on a farm near Elkton, Oregon, on Saturday, September 11. The farmer set a live trap with hopes of catching and relocating the bandit.
Robin Loznak/Zuma Press Wire
California Gov. Gavin Newsom makes an appearance after the polls closed in his recall election on Tuesday, September 14. The recall effort was born in partisan anger over his pandemic response, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/14/politics/gavin-newsom-california-recall/index.html" target="_blank">but it ended with a vote of confidence in his strategy to combat it.</a> Newsom was bolstered by a robust turnout among Democrats, who outnumber Republicans nearly two to one in the Golden State but had initially appeared disinterested in the race.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom makes an appearance after the polls closed in his recall election on Tuesday, September 14. The recall effort was born in partisan anger over his pandemic response, but it ended with a vote of confidence in his strategy to combat it. Newsom was bolstered by a robust turnout among Democrats, who outnumber Republicans nearly two to one in the Golden State but had initially appeared disinterested in the race.
Fred Greaves/Reuters
A firefighter lays hose around the Foothills Visitor Center while battling the KNP Complex Fire in California's Sequoia National Park on Tuesday, September 14. The park was closed because of <a href="https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/sequoia-national-park-closed-wildfire-threat/index.html" target="_blank">wildfires burning in the state's Sierra Nevada mountains.</a>
A firefighter lays hose around the Foothills Visitor Center while battling the KNP Complex Fire in California's Sequoia National Park on Tuesday, September 14. The park was closed because of wildfires burning in the state's Sierra Nevada mountains.
Noah Berger/AP
Colasa Pichardo, center, is comforted by her daughter Rosalinda Rosario during a burial service in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on Tuesday, September 14. Pichardo's daughter Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, was a US Marine sergeant and one of the 13 American service members killed in a <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/26/middleeast/gallery/kabul-deadly-blasts-afghanistan-airport/index.html" target="_blank">suicide bombing in Afghanistan on August 26.</a>
Colasa Pichardo, center, is comforted by her daughter Rosalinda Rosario during a burial service in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on Tuesday, September 14. Pichardo's daughter Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, was a US Marine sergeant and one of the 13 American service members killed in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan on August 26.
David Goldman/AP
Apple CEO Tim Cook unveils the new iPad Mini during a <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/14/tech/apple-event-highlights/index.html" target="_blank">virtual media event</a> on Tuesday, September 14. Apple also unveiled four new iPhones and a new Apple Watch.
Apple CEO Tim Cook unveils the new iPad Mini during a virtual media event on Tuesday, September 14. Apple also unveiled four new iPhones and a new Apple Watch.
Brooks Kraft/Apple Inc/Reuters
Workers wrap the Arc de Triomphe monument in Paris on Sunday, September 12. The project, by artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude, will include 25,000 square meters of silvery blue fabric. It will be on view from September 18 until October 3.
Workers wrap the Arc de Triomphe monument in Paris on Sunday, September 12. The project, by artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude, will include 25,000 square meters of silvery blue fabric. It will be on view from September 18 until October 3.
Rafael Yaghobzadeh/AP
US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez <a href="https://www.cnn.com/style/article/aoc-met-gala-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-dress/index.html" target="_blank">wears a dress that says "tax the rich"</a> while attending the Met Gala in New York on Monday, September 13. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/style/article/met-gala-2021-red-carpet-photos/" target="_blank">See more looks from the red carpet</a>
US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wears a dress that says "tax the rich" while attending the Met Gala in New York on Monday, September 13. See more looks from the red carpet
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
The carcasses of dead white-sided dolphins lie on a beach after being pulled from blood-stained waters on the island of Eysturoy, which is part of the Faroe Islands, on Sunday, September 12. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/15/europe/faroe-dolphin-killing-record-scli-intl-scn/index.html" target="_blank">More than 1,400 dolphins were killed</a> in what local authorities said was a traditional whaling hunt. The killing has been denounced by marine conservation group Sea Shepherd as a "brutal and badly mishandled" massacre.
The carcasses of dead white-sided dolphins lie on a beach after being pulled from blood-stained waters on the island of Eysturoy, which is part of the Faroe Islands, on Sunday, September 12. More than 1,400 dolphins were killed in what local authorities said was a traditional whaling hunt. The killing has been denounced by marine conservation group Sea Shepherd as a "brutal and badly mishandled" massacre.
Sea Shepherd/AP
Charity Kase, one of the drag queens competing in the latest series of "RuPaul's Drag Race UK," poses for photos in London on Tuesday, September 14.
Charity Kase, one of the drag queens competing in the latest series of "RuPaul's Drag Race UK," poses for photos in London on Tuesday, September 14.
Ian West/PA Wire/Zuma Press
A woman receives a Covid-19 vaccine at a pachinko parlor in Osaka, Japan, on Monday, September 13. The parlor was being used as a makeshift vaccination site.
A woman receives a Covid-19 vaccine at a pachinko parlor in Osaka, Japan, on Monday, September 13. The parlor was being used as a makeshift vaccination site.
Kyodo News/AP
A couple of Los Angeles Chargers try to bring down Washington running back Antonio Gibson during an NFL game in Landover, Maryland, on Sunday, September 12. It was the opening weekend of the NFL's regular season.
A couple of Los Angeles Chargers try to bring down Washington running back Antonio Gibson during an NFL game in Landover, Maryland, on Sunday, September 12. It was the opening weekend of the NFL's regular season.
Patrick Smith/Getty Images
A SpaceX rocket launches a four-person, all-tourist crew into Earth's orbit from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Wednesday, September 15. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/15/us/gallery/spacex-tourism-flight-inspiration4/index.html" target="_blank">The Inspiration4 mission</a> is being billed as the beginning of a new era of space travel for average people.
A SpaceX rocket launches a four-person, all-tourist crew into Earth's orbit from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Wednesday, September 15. The Inspiration4 mission is being billed as the beginning of a new era of space travel for average people.
Steve Nesius/Reuters
Renee Farrell of the Lakeview Fire Department traces over the name of her late husband at a 9/11 memorial in Lido Beach, New York, on Saturday, September 11.
Renee Farrell of the Lakeview Fire Department traces over the name of her late husband at a 9/11 memorial in Lido Beach, New York, on Saturday, September 11.
Johnny Milano/The New York Times/Redux
A sculpture by Danger Dave, "Damien Hirst Looking for Sharks," is seen on Australia's Currumbin Beach on Monday, September 13. It is part of the annual Swell Sculpture Festival. Hirst is a famous British artist, and one of his famous artworks features a large tiger shark suspended in formaldehyde.
A sculpture by Danger Dave, "Damien Hirst Looking for Sharks," is seen on Australia's Currumbin Beach on Monday, September 13. It is part of the annual Swell Sculpture Festival. Hirst is a famous British artist, and one of his famous artworks features a large tiger shark suspended in formaldehyde.
Matt Roberts/Getty Images
Singer Olivia Rodrigo performs during the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/13/entertainment/gallery/mtv-vmas-2021/index.html" target="_blank">MTV Video Music Awards</a> on Sunday, September 12. She would go on to win Best New Artist and Song of the Year ("Drivers License").
Singer Olivia Rodrigo performs during the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, September 12. She would go on to win Best New Artist and Song of the Year ("Drivers License").
Theo Wargo/Getty Images
Actors Brad Pitt, left, and Bradley Cooper watch the US Open final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev on Sunday, September 12. Medvedev defeated Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/12/tennis/daniil-medvedev-wins-us-open-djokovic-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank">to claim his first grand-slam title</a> and end Djokovic's hopes of winning all four majors this year.
Actors Brad Pitt, left, and Bradley Cooper watch the US Open final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev on Sunday, September 12. Medvedev defeated Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to claim his first grand-slam title and end Djokovic's hopes of winning all four majors this year.
Sarah Stier/Getty Images
This photo provided by the North Korean government on Thursday, September 16, shows a missile being launched from a train Wednesday in an undisclosed part of North Korea. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/15/asia/north-korea-missiles-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">Both North and South Korea tested ballistic missiles on Wednesday,</a> ratcheting up tensions in what was already one of the most volatile regions on the planet. North Korea fired the first missiles.
This photo provided by the North Korean government on Thursday, September 16, shows a missile being launched from a train Wednesday in an undisclosed part of North Korea. Both North and South Korea tested ballistic missiles on Wednesday, ratcheting up tensions in what was already one of the most volatile regions on the planet. North Korea fired the first missiles.
KCNA/AP
USC wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. collides with a goal post after trying to pull in a catch against Stanford on Saturday, September 11.
USC wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. collides with a goal post after trying to pull in a catch against Stanford on Saturday, September 11.
Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports
Rescuers work at the site of a landslide in Tlalnepantla, Mexico, on Saturday, September 11. The collapse happened a day earlier and buried three houses.
Rescuers work at the site of a landslide in Tlalnepantla, Mexico, on Saturday, September 11. The collapse happened a day earlier and buried three houses.
Sashenka Gutiérrez/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Caitlyn Jenner, a former Olympian and reality TV star, casts her ballot in the California gubernatorial recall election on Tuesday, September 14. Jenner was one of the Republicans hoping to replace Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, but <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/14/politics/gavin-newsom-california-recall/index.html" target="_blank">Newsom defeated the recall effort. </a>
Caitlyn Jenner, a former Olympian and reality TV star, casts her ballot in the California gubernatorial recall election on Tuesday, September 14. Jenner was one of the Republicans hoping to replace Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, but Newsom defeated the recall effort.
Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images
From left, Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman and Maggie Nichols arrive on Capitol Hill to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, September 15. They were among the hundreds of athletes assaulted by Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor, and <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/15/politics/gymnasts-senate-judiciary-committee-larry-nassar-hearing/index.html" target="_blank">they blasted the FBI and the Justice Department for its mishandling of the case.</a>
From left, Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman and Maggie Nichols arrive on Capitol Hill to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, September 15. They were among the hundreds of athletes assaulted by Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor, and they blasted the FBI and the Justice Department for its mishandling of the case.
Saul Loeb/Pool/AFP/Getty Images
The Formula 1 car of Max Verstappen lands on the top of Lewis Hamilton's car during <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/12/motorsport/f1-lewis-hamilton-crash-italian-gp-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank">a collision during the Italian Grand Prix</a> on Sunday, September 12. Both drivers were able to walk away from the incident but were ruled out for the remainder of the race. Hamilton told reporters that he felt "fortunate to be alive."
The Formula 1 car of Max Verstappen lands on the top of Lewis Hamilton's car during a collision during the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, September 12. Both drivers were able to walk away from the incident but were ruled out for the remainder of the race. Hamilton told reporters that he felt "fortunate to be alive."
Andrej Isakovic/AFP/Getty Images
A child visits the Washington Monument as flags are flown at half-staff on Saturday, September 11. A beam of light was cast into the sky from the Pentagon.
A child visits the Washington Monument as flags are flown at half-staff on Saturday, September 11. A beam of light was cast into the sky from the Pentagon.
Sarah Silbiger for CNN
Zhou Xiaoxuan, a leading figure in China's #MeToo movement, speaks to journalists and supporters in Beijing before a hearing in her case against prominent television host Zhu Jun on Tuesday, September 14. A court in Beijing <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/15/china/xianzi-zhu-jun-sexual-harassment-case-mic-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">ruled against her,</a> citing "insufficient evidence." Zhu has not directly commented on the case in public. He has denied all allegations through his lawyer and filed a separate lawsuit against Zhou for defamation, according to a statement from his lawyer in 2018.
Zhou Xiaoxuan, a leading figure in China's #MeToo movement, speaks to journalists and supporters in Beijing before a hearing in her case against prominent television host Zhu Jun on Tuesday, September 14. A court in Beijing ruled against her, citing "insufficient evidence." Zhu has not directly commented on the case in public. He has denied all allegations through his lawyer and filed a separate lawsuit against Zhou for defamation, according to a statement from his lawyer in 2018.
Kevin Frayer/Getty Images
A bee flies over a cosmos flower at a park in Seoul, South Korea, on Monday, September 13.
A bee flies over a cosmos flower at a park in Seoul, South Korea, on Monday, September 13.
Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters
A 9/11 memorial service is held Friday, September 10, outside the New York City Fire Department's Ten House near ground zero.
A 9/11 memorial service is held Friday, September 10, outside the New York City Fire Department's Ten House near ground zero.
Ashley Gilbertson/VII/Redux for CNN
An American flag is unfurled at Michigan Stadium before a college football game in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Saturday, September 11.
An American flag is unfurled at Michigan Stadium before a college football game in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Saturday, September 11.
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Steven LoBue competes in a Cliff Diving World Series event held at Ireland's Downpatrick Head on Sunday, September 12.
Steven LoBue competes in a Cliff Diving World Series event held at Ireland's Downpatrick Head on Sunday, September 12.
Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters
Singer Doja Cat hosts the <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/13/entertainment/gallery/mtv-vmas-2021/index.html" target="_blank">MTV Video Music Awards</a> in New York on Sunday, September 12. She also performed and won Best Collaboration for the song "Kiss Me More" with SZA.
Singer Doja Cat hosts the MTV Video Music Awards in New York on Sunday, September 12. She also performed and won Best Collaboration for the song "Kiss Me More" with SZA.
Charles Sykes/Invision/AP
France's SailGP team, helmed by Billy Besson, competes in a race in St. Tropez, France, on Saturday, September 11.
France's SailGP team, helmed by Billy Besson, competes in a race in St. Tropez, France, on Saturday, September 11.
David Ramos/Getty Images
Workers wearing personal protective equipment carry a Covid-19 victim at a house in Nonthaburi, Thailand, on Wednesday, September 15. Although Thailand kept infection numbers low in 2020 thanks to successful containment measures, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/16/world/covid-countries-opening-up-cmd-intl/index.html" target="_blank">the country has struggled to keep cases in check this year.</a>
Workers wearing personal protective equipment carry a Covid-19 victim at a house in Nonthaburi, Thailand, on Wednesday, September 15. Although Thailand kept infection numbers low in 2020 thanks to successful containment measures, the country has struggled to keep cases in check this year.
Varuth Pongsapipatt/SOPA Images/Zuma Press
Flowers and flags are left for the victims of United Airlines Flight 93 at a memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, September 11. The hijacked plane crashed into a field 20 years ago.
Flowers and flags are left for the victims of United Airlines Flight 93 at a memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, September 11. The hijacked plane crashed into a field 20 years ago.
Maddie McGarvey for CNN
A dog takes part in the annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon in Del Mar, California, on Sunday, September 12.
A dog takes part in the annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon in Del Mar, California, on Sunday, September 12.
Daniel Knighton/Getty Images
People play soccer on a dusty field in Soweto, South Africa, on Wednesday, September 15. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2021/09/09/world/gallery/photos-this-week-september-3-september-9/index.html" target="_blank">See last week in 40 photos</a>
People play soccer on a dusty field in Soweto, South Africa, on Wednesday, September 15. See last week in 40 photos
Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters