Communities Across America Prepare for 24th Anniversary of 9/11 with Memorial Services

Communities nationwide announced memorial events and held early ceremonies on September 8, 2025, as the nation prepares to mark the 24th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks this Thursday.

The coordinated remembrance efforts reflect a renewed commitment to honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the 2001 attacks, with local governments, fire departments, and veterans organizations leading commemorative activities from coast to coast.

Washington, Illinois Revives Memorial Tradition

Washington, Illinois, resumed its 9/11 remembrance ceremony on Sunday after a four-year hiatus, marking a significant return to community-based commemoration. The ceremony at Veteran’s Memorial Park featured a wreath presentation, moment of silence, bell ringing, and presentation of colors by the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Honor Guard.

“Once they’re forgotten about, it’s like a second death for them,” said David Houseworth, Northern Tazewell Fire Department chief and event organizer. Mayor Lilija Stevens confirmed the ceremony will now be held annually.

Federal and State-Level Commemorations Announced

The Department of Veterans Affairs revealed plans for Patriot Day observances at more than 60 VA national cemeteries on September 11. The events will include volunteer opportunities for headstone cleaning and beautification activities, continuing the department’s collaboration with nonprofit organization Carry The Load.

VA Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Sam Brown emphasized the significance of cemetery locations for reflection, noting that 47 veterans and dependents who died as a result of the 9/11 attacks are buried or memorialized in VA national cemeteries.

Local Fire Departments Lead Memorial Efforts

Palm Coast Fire Department announced its annual 9/11 Candlelight Memorial for Thursday at Heroes Memorial Park, featuring remarks from local dignitaries and musical performances by first responders. The park houses a tree directly descended from Ground Zero’s “Survivor Tree,” planted on the 20th anniversary in 2021.

The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m., with candles provided to all attendees and additional parking arrangements made to accommodate expected crowds.

Multi-State Community Participation

Morris County, New Jersey, held its memorial ceremony Sunday evening at the county’s 9/11 Memorial in Parsippany-Troy Hills, featuring a procession of police, fire, and EMS personnel around the circular memorial etched with victims’ names. The event included debris from all three attack sites and drew multiple state and local officials.

FDNY veteran Rudy Sanfilippo served as keynote speaker, sharing his firsthand experience of being at the South Tower command post when the North Tower collapsed.

Ceremonies Span Multiple States

South Sioux City, Nebraska, scheduled its 9/11 Remembrance and Flag Ceremony for Thursday evening, incorporating a dignified retirement ceremony for damaged American flags. The event will be organized by Dakota County American Legion/VFW posts alongside local fire, police, and emergency management departments.

Rockland County, New York, announced multiple memorial events, including Clarkstown’s ceremony at town hall and Clarkstown South High School’s flag planting ceremony featuring 2,977 flags representing each victim.

National Memorial Museum Preparations

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City announced its schedule for the 24th anniversary commemoration, beginning at 8:46 a.m. with the reading of victims’ names and six moments of silence corresponding to key attack timeline moments. The ceremony will conclude at 12:30 p.m., followed by the evening Tribute in Light display.

New features for 2025 include display of the restored FDNY Ladder 3 truck and a traveling art installation of 3,000 paper cranes created by students worldwide.

The widespread participation demonstrates the enduring commitment to remembrance as the nation approaches nearly a quarter-century since the attacks that transformed American security and foreign policy.