President Donald Trump attended a Pentagon 9/11 observance ceremony on Sept. 11, 2026, marking the 25th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks. The event honored the 2,977 victims killed in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, as well as first responders and military personnel who served in the aftermath.
Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to attend the New York observance, while other administration officials will participate in the Shanksville ceremony. This is the second consecutive year Trump has attended the Pentagon event, following his attendance at the New York ceremony in 2024.
During last year’s Pentagon ceremony, Trump recounted moments from the attacks, including communications from passengers aboard the hijacked planes. The 9/11 attacks remain the deadliest terrorist incident in U.S. history, prompting significant changes to national security and foreign policy.
Patriot Day Observances
Flags across the U.S. flew at half-staff on Sept. 11 in honor of the victims. The day, designated as Patriot Day by federal law in 2001, calls for a moment of silence, official observances, and flag displays to commemorate the attacks.
Background: The 2001 Attacks
On Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists affiliated with al-Qaida hijacked four passenger planes. Two planes struck the World Trade Center towers in New York City, a third hit the Pentagon, and the fourth crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers attempted to retake control. The attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and injured tens of thousands, many of whom continue to suffer from 9/11-related health conditions decades later.
Presidential Proclamation
In a proclamation issued Sept. 9, 2026, Trump stated: “In just a little over two hours on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, 2,977 innocent souls perished in the most despicable act of terror in the history of our country.” The proclamation urged Americans to observe a moment of silence and participate in local and national remembrance activities.
Ceremonies Across the U.S.
Federal and state governments organized events to honor victims and first responders. Ceremonies in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania included moments of silence, speeches, and tributes to those who responded to the attacks. The 25th anniversary has drawn renewed attention to the long-term impact of the tragedy on survivors, families, and national policies.