HISTORY

On September 11, 2001, the United States experienced one of the most devastating terrorist attacks in its history. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The attacks, orchestrated by the extremist group al-Qaeda, involved the hijacking of four commercial airplanes. Two of these planes were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, causing the buildings to collapse. Another plane hit the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, while the fourth, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to regain control from the hijackers.

The attacks had a profound impact on the nation, leading to a surge in patriotism and a renewed sense of public service. In the aftermath of 9/11, more than a quarter-million Americans with no prior military experience enlisted in the military, according to Pew Research Center. The attacks also led to the U.S. launching the War on Terror, which included the invasion of Afghanistan less than a month later.

In the years following the attacks, concerns about terrorism remained high. Defending the country from future terrorist attacks has been a top priority for Americans since 2002.

Today, the 9/11 attacks are remembered as one of the most significant events in American history. Memorials have been erected at the sites of the attacks, including the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City and the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. These sites serve as a reminder of the lives lost and the resilience of the American people in the face of adversity.

NEW YORK

On September 11, 2025, New York City marks the 24th anniversary of the terror attacks with a solemn ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. The event honors the 2,977 victims of the 2001 attacks and includes tributes to those killed in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

Family members of the victims participate in the annual reading of names, accompanied by six moments of silence that mark the times each tower was struck and fell, as well as the attacks on the Pentagon and Flight 93. The ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m., with the first moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., the time the first plane hit the North Tower2.

As night falls, the Tribute in Light once again illuminates the sky above Lower Manhattan, casting twin beams visible across the city as a poignant reminder of the lives lost.

PENTAGON

The Pentagon Memorial continues to serve as a place of reflection and remembrance for the 184 lives lost in the attack on the Pentagon. In 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense held its annual ceremony, beginning with the unfurling of the American flag at 6:46 a.m. EDT. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended the service before traveling to the Bronx for a baseball game between the Yankees and Tigers2.

The Pentagon Memorial Fund is progressing toward its goal of opening an education center by the 25th anniversary in 2026. The center will feature interactive exhibits that explore the events of 9/11, the global response, and the long-term impact on national security and foreign policy.

PENNSYLVANIA: FLIGHT 93 NATIONAL MEMORIAL

In Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the Flight 93 National Memorial hosted a Service of Remembrance attended by families, dignitaries, and Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins. The ceremony included the reading of names, moments of silence, and a wreath-laying at the Wall of Names.

The site honors the courage of the passengers and crew who fought back against the hijackers, preventing further destruction. The memorial continues to draw visitors seeking to understand the heroism and sacrifice that defined that day.

NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE

Across the country, Americans marked the anniversary with acts of service. Thousands participated in food drives, park cleanups, blood donations, and community events, embracing the spirit of unity and resilience that emerged in the wake of the attacks3.

MOMENT OF SILENCE

As is tradition, flags across the United States are flown at half-mast. At 8:46 a.m., the President leads the nation in a moment of silence to honor those who perished in the attacks. This year, Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance attended the New York ceremony, joining families in remembrance

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