It was broadcast live by the four major American television networks and all of the cable networks in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in 2001 . Done in the style of a telethon , it featured a number of national and international entertainers performing to raise money for the victims and their families , particularly the New York City firefighters and New York City police officers . It aired September 21 , 2001 , uninterrupted and commercial-free , for which it won a Peabody Award . It was released on December 4 , 2001 , on compact disc and DVD
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
America: A Tribute to Heroes