One of the markers of a generation is the shared experience of knowing exactly where we were, and what we were doing, when a world-changing event occurred. For an older generation, it could be the assassination of JFK and MLK. For most young and middle aged (“Gen X”) adults, 9/11 usually comes to mind first. Twenty years ago, the abhorrent and despicable actions of a small group of fanatics left our world forever changed, triggering international conflicts and changes, large and small, to our lives. This September, WPBS marks this solemn and difficult anniversary, remembering those who we lost and the impact on their families, communities and our country. Our lineup of special programming includes:
Generation 9/11 – the stories of seven children whose fathers died that day, revealing how an entire generation was shaped by the tragedy. (Tuesday, August 31st, 9:00 pm, repeating Friday, September 10th, 9:00 pm)
A Dream in Doubt – the personal story of a close-knit community of Sikh Americans in Phoenix who experienced a wave of frightening hate crimes in the aftermath of 9/11. (Sunday, September 5th, 12:00 noon)
In Our Son’s Name – Phyllis and Orlando Rodriguez’s lives shatter with the death of their son, Greg, who dies with thousands of others at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Instead of seeking revenge, the grieving couple begin a journey of reconciliation that transforms their lives. (Sunday, September 5th, 1:00 pm)
9/11 – Inside the Pentagon – On September 11, 2001, Flight 77 slammed into the Pentagon, killing 184 people. What happened behind the walls of the Pentagon is a largely untold chapter in history. Fifteen years later, survivors and first responders shed light on that tragic day. (Sunday, September 5th, 2:00 pm)
Music and the Spoken Word: 9/11 Coming Together – 20th Anniversary Special (Sunday, September 5th, 6:30 pm) The world-renowned Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square commemorate the anniversary with the half-hour program honoring the sorrow and sacrifice of that unforgettable morning.
Frontline: America After 9/11 (Tuesday, September 7th, 9:00 pm) – 9/11 ushered in an era of fear, mistrust, and division in America. The compromises and consequences for American democracy-from the terror attacks, through four presidencies, wars abroad, and ultimately insurrection at home.
Great Performances: Verdi’s Requiem: the Met Remembers 9/11 (Saturday, September 11th, 8:00 pm) – The Metropolitan Opera presents a special performance of the Verdi Requiem to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Hosted by Misty Copeland, music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts the performance featuring the Met orchestra and chorus.
About WPBS-TV
WPBS-TV is a PBS station serving approximately 650,000 households throughout Northern New York and Eastern Ontario. WPBS-TV is a non-profit corporation with a mission to educate, inform and engage our two-nation region with exceptional and trusted content across multiple platforms. WPBS-TV is available through Spectrum and Dish/Direct TV, Rogers Cable in Ottawa, Bell Fibe in Ottawa and Kingston, and Cogeco Cable (Kingston, Brockville, Cornwall, Deep River, Prescott, Renfrew, Arnprior, and Smiths Falls). More information about WPBS-TV, including a full channel listing, is available at wpbstv.org, or by following WPBS on Twitter and Facebook.
