Americans marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on Friday with solemn ceremonies at the three crash sites—Ground Zero in New York, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania—commemorating the 2,977 lives lost in the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil. The observances included seven moments of silence, the first of which honored the thousands who have died since 2001 from illnesses linked to toxic dust exposure.
At Ground Zero, family members of the victims joined Vice President JD Vance and four former U.S. presidents—Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden—for the annual reading of names, a tradition that began at 8:46 a.m., marking the moment the first plane struck the North Tower. The ceremony also included a seventh silence to honor those who perished from 9/11-related illnesses, a recognition of the attack’s long-term toll. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was among the officials present, while President Donald Trump attended the Pentagon ceremony alongside senior military leaders.
In Arlington, Virginia, a ceremony at the Pentagon featured the unfurling of an American flag at the site where American Airlines Flight 77 crashed, killing 184 people. Trump, who delivered remarks, framed the anniversary as a call to continue the "war on terror," stating, "We will never, ever forget. That's why we fight today. We fight hard. We fight to win." Former national security adviser Condoleezza Rice and War Secretary Pete Hegseth were among the attendees. In Shanksville, Pennsylvania, mourners gathered at the crash site of United Airlines Flight 93, where passengers attempted to retake the cockpit before the plane went down.
Calls for Justice and Accountability
During the Ground Zero ceremony, several family members of victims criticized Saudi Arabia, accusing the kingdom of complicity in the attacks. Terry Strada, whose husband Tom died in the Twin Towers, addressed the crowd, stating, "How can it be 25 years and still we have no justice for the role that Saudi Arabia played in your murder?" Her remarks echoed longstanding demands for accountability, with some family members questioning the U.S. government’s relationship with Saudi Arabia in the years following the attacks.
First Responders and Long-Term Health Impact
The ceremonies also highlighted the enduring impact on first responders and survivors. Larry Provost, a military first responder who was at the World Trade Center on 9/11, shared his experience in an interview with NTD, reflecting on how the attacks changed his life. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York, which opened in 2011, continues to serve as a focal point for remembrance, hosting the annual reading of names and the "Tribute in Light" installation, where two beams of light illuminate the night sky in memory of the Twin Towers.
Nationwide Commemorations
Across the U.S., communities held additional observances, including stair climbs, gun salutes, walks of remembrance, and memorial dedications. The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum reported that over 1,100 memorials have been created in all 50 states since the attacks, reflecting the widespread and lasting impact of the tragedy. In cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and Austin, local ceremonies brought together first responders, survivors, and families to honor those lost.
Historical Context and Legacy
The Sept. 11 attacks, carried out by the extremist group al-Qaeda, led to the U.S. invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq as part of the "War on Terror." The attacks also prompted significant changes in U.S. national security policies, including the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The toxic dust from the collapsed World Trade Center towers has been linked to long-term health issues, including cancer and respiratory diseases, affecting thousands of first responders and survivors.
The 25th anniversary served as a moment of reflection on loss, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of justice, with ceremonies emphasizing both the pain of the past and the enduring commitment to those who perished.