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Today marks 25 years since the September 11, 2001 attacks, the deadliest on U.S. soil since Pearl Harbor. On that tragic day, hijacked planes struck the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia, and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives, and the impact of the attacks continues to resonate.
Memorial ceremonies are taking place at Ground Zero in New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville. Former Presidents George W. Bush, Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton, along with Vice President JD Vance, are attending the New York ceremony. President Donald Trump is commemorating the day at the Pentagon, participating in a wreath-laying ceremony.
In New York, a moment of silence will honor first responders and others who have died from 9/11-related illnesses. According to ABC7, more than 9,000 people have died from such illnesses in the years since the attacks. The FDNY has lost over 600 members due to these conditions, surpassing the 343 firefighters who died on the day itself.
The ceremony in New York is marked by heightened security, with the NYPD securing the area around the 9/11 Memorial. The event will include readings of victims' names and moments of silence at key times during the attack timeline.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, New York's first Muslim mayor, is attending despite some controversy. He recently revealed documents about the toxic air quality following the attacks, which caused long-term health issues for many New Yorkers.
As reported by USA Today, President Trump is not attending the New York ceremony, citing logistical reasons and his plans to honor first responders at the White House.
The anniversary serves as a reminder of the resilience of New Yorkers and the enduring impact of the attacks. For many, the memory of that day remains vivid, as families and communities continue to cope with the loss and legacy of September 11.