TODAY marks the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in America and people are reflecting on a moment that changed the world forever.

That horrifying day on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, saw a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the militant Islamist terrorist group al-Qaeda against the United States of America.

The world stood still, glued to televisions and radios as they watched and listened to the horrendous news, which included two of the hijacked planes crashing into New York’s World Trade Centre and killing thousands of people

For many people it started as an ordinary day of being in work or dropping children at school but it turned into one of the darkest days in history.

Now two decades later, many people are remembering the exact moment they heard the tragic news unfold.

We asked our readers where they were on September 11, 20 years ago

Jo Reed wrote: "I was living in the States at the time, very sombre time indeed, went to pay my respects 2 months later and signed a book at a fire station who lost their whole crew, there were many heroes who paid the ultimate price that day.

"Remembering September 11th 20 years on.

"NEVER FORGOTTEN, God bless all those who lost their lives and to all the friends and family who were left behind xxx"

Kylie Dixon wrote: "Sat with Louise Woods in the office in St Helens College working. I'll never forget it, we were all in shock when we were told xxx"

Les Roberts wrote: "I worked in Golborne. I remember my husband ringing me and telling me about the first plane. I watched the second hit the tower live.

"So upsetting and distressing. Mayhem started throughout the world!"

William Bruce wrote: "20 years ago, I was in the tea room at work, not realising that that fateful day would lead to me being in Afghanistan 10 years to the day later."

Hayley Twist wrote: "Me (age 9) and my mum was staying over grandparents house while they where on holiday I remember watching it on the news I was scared, upset and confused because I didn't understand what happened and why they did it, my mum turn it off

"My mum said "they accidentally hit the tower .." to but me at ease 

"But still stayed with me this day the fear of flying

"I hate flying but love seeing other countries

"9/11 will go down in history them poor people but also put the fear in many people across world for flying

"Even watching documentaries still brings back the emotions of that day

"Utterly heartbreaking."

Christine Pickering wrote: "Hanging washing out in garden when my husband & daughter shouted me in. Couldn’t believe what we was watching it’s horrendous, all those poor innocent people."

Karen Suffolk Marr wrote: "Dellaware, USA. Had planned on taking the ferry across to New York that same morning but we were running a little late or we would have been there.

 

"Just couldn't believe it, we watched it all unfold on TV in our hotel. Frightening."

 

Sharron Barker Atherton wrote: "Buying a new gas fire. The whole shop fell silent in absolute horror.

"RIP to each and every precious soul who lost their life that day."

 

Mary Sturgeon wrote: "Waiting to hear from my daughter's company.

"If she was still in New York. Fortunately her plane left the airport hours before it happened. I still watch with sadness in my heart as my daughter was a air hostess. So sad.

 

Lynn Carol Brown wrote: "At my mum and dad's, I’d had an argument with my dad and he shouted me downstairs.

"He showed me the first plane, i told him he watched some awful films. Then he said it wasn’t a film, it was happening now.

"My stomach fell. Those poor poor victims in the buildings and on the planes, their families. I couldn’t imagine the pain, heartbreak and fear they all must have felt and faced."