Members of Congress returned to the steps of the Capitol Friday morning to mark the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It was a scene reminiscent of the one that took place the evening of Sept. 11, 2001, when reeling lawmakers condemned the attacks that had taken place hours earlier in New York City, outside Washington, D.C., and in Pennsylvania, and prayed and vowed that the government would be open for business. On both occasions, the assembled members sang God Bless America.

As Americans prepare to mark the anniversary this weekend, Roll Call went into its archive for photos taken just after the attacks. 

On Sept. 11, 2001, after jetliners crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City, a plane that originated from Dulles International Airport and that was commandeered by terrorists crashed into the Pentagon.

Following the Pentagon attack, the Capitol was evacuated.

As were offices across the nation’s capital.

In the evening, the nation watched as Congress appeared on the steps of the capital and resolved to keep working for the American people.

Smoke from the Pentagon crash could be seen throughout the city even days after the attack.