I don't know what the rest of world is doing today, but for me it is one of reflection of one of the greatest tragedies ever experienced. Over 3000 killed, families and friends torn apart. My uncle lost 3 colleagues on one of the aircraft. My wife's cousin was at work across the street and had to run from the madness.
It's been 18 years but I remember EVERYTHING about that day. I was driving to work and the radio wasn't playing the normal music. The DJ's were talking very calmly about... something...I couldn't quite figure it out. When I got to the office, a TV had been turned on, and the news was starting to report the plane strikes. A half hour later, the Pentagon, and reports of a 4th missing plane before it crashed in Pennsylvania. My mom called me in a hysteria because her brother often had business in New York. And then the first tower fell with her still on the phone with me. I tried to tell her it would be fine, but honestly I had no way of knowing for sure.
The boss closed the office early because we had reports of all sorts of other possibilities. I went home, watched the news, and learned the entire aviation system had been shut down. I could see all of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport from my 3rd floor apartment. It was strange to see NOTHING happening there. No planes moving around. The air was silent. For six days. The only aircraft I saw was an occasional flight of F-16s from the air force base across town.
I don't know what point I'm trying to make here. Just for you all to know that, as an American, this is very much a part of our memories, our history, and even our culture. Children born after 2001 know what 9/11 is because we will not let this moment ever be lost. And neither should any of you who are not Americans.