Tomorrow will mark the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, a moment that forever altered the trajectory of American history. This week, we wanted to let the holdings tell the story. Reflecting on selected photographs from the National Archives, we remember the victims, their families, first responders, and all Americans as our nation grappled with tragedy over two decades ago.

Some photographs may depict or allude to sensitive content. 

Photos captured by John Celardo, former archivist at the National Archives branch in New York City on September 11, 2001. More of his photos from the day are found here.

Original Caption: A highway sign reads, "All Crossings to New York Closed" Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001 (Local Identifier: P7130-08)

Original Caption: Smoke rises from the site of the World Trade Center Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. (U.S. National Archives’ Local Identifier: P7127-23)

Original Caption: President George W. Bush confers with staff via telephone from his office aboard Air Force One during the flight from Sarasota to Barksdale Air Force Base. (U.S. National Archives’ Local Identifier: P7071-29)

Visible from space, a smoke plume rises from the Manhattan area after two planes crashed into the towers of the World Trade Center. This photo was taken of metropolitan New York City (and other parts of New York as well as New Jersey) the morning of September 11, 2001. (Caption and Image Credits: NASA)

Notes written by President George W. Bush for the initial statement to the press after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Page 1 of 3. (U.S. National Archives Identifier: 31490798)

Original Caption: President George W. Bush reviews notes with Karen Hughes before addressing the nation from the Oval Office. September 11, 2001 (U.S. National Archives’ Local Identifier: P7132-04)

Original Caption: Firefighters unfurl a large American flag over the scarred stone of the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. September 12, 2001. (U.S. National Archives ID: 5997275)

Original Caption: Firefighters look on Friday, Sept. 14, 2001, as President George W. Bush surveys the destruction left by terrorist attacks on New York City. (U.S. National Archives’ Local Identifier: P7377-13)

Original Caption: Standing Atop Rubble with Retired New York City Firefighter Bob Beckwith, President George W. Bush Addresses Approximately 400 Police, Firemen and Rescue Workers by Bullhorn at the Site of the Collapsed World Trade Center in New York City. September 14, 2001. (U.S. National Archives' Local Identifier: P7365-23A)

Original Caption: Remains of the World Trade Center Friday, Sept. 14, 2001 in New York City. (U.S. National Archives’ Local Identifier: P7375-20)

Original caption: President George W. Bush consoles families of victims of the terrorist attack during a visit to New York City. September 14, 2001. (U.S. National Archives' Local Identifier: P7384-09)

Original Caption: The World Trade Center rescue site in New York City is seen the evening of Friday, Sept. 14, 2001, from Marine One. (U.S. National Archives’ Local Identifier: P7379-35)

Original caption: President George W. Bush holds hands with family members of victims of United Flight 93 in the Blue Room of the White House. September 24, 2001. (National Archives Identifier: 5997348)

Original Caption: Mrs. Laura Bush and Libby Pataki, wife of New York Governor George Pataki, place sunflowers at a memorial at Battalion 9 Firehouse in New York City, honoring the firefighters who died at the World Trade Center. September 25, 2001. (U.S. National Archives’ Local Identifier: P7803-03A)

Original Caption: A worker stands at Ground Zero in New York City. October 3, 2001. (U.S. National Archives’ Local Identifier: P8045-12)

Original Caption: Airline employees crowd together on the tarmac at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport to meet President George W. Bush and honor their industry colleagues. September 27, 2001. (U.S. National Archives’ Local Identifier: P7882-22)

Chain-link fence, bearing flags, hats, rosaries, and other items, that serves as the temporary memorial, near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, honoring the passengers and crew of Flight 93, hijacked on September 11, 2001. Secretary Gale Norton visited the site to swear in the members of the Flight 93 National Memorial Federal Advisory Commission. September 11, 2003. (U.S. National Archives Identifier: 5616340)