Pentagon and Jerusalem Hold 9/11 Memorial Observances Ahead of 24th Anniversary

Lead Pentagon personnel gathered for a Memorial Observance Ceremony this morning at 9:30 a.m. ET to honor the lives lost on September 11, and a simultaneous commemoration streamed live from Jerusalem at 11 a.m. ET.

Nut Graf As the nation prepares for the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, these early ceremonies underscore a global commitment to remembrance and resilience, bringing together military staff, diplomatic representatives, and international audiences before the main Memorial events in New York City tomorrow.

Early Morning Observance at the Pentagon

• The Pentagon community paused today to reflect on the 184 victims who perished when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the building.
• Attendees included Defense Department officials, service members, and family members of Pentagon victims.
• The ceremony featured remarks by senior Pentagon leadership, the sounding of Taps, and a moment of silence marking the moment of impact at 9:37 a.m. ET.

Jerusalem Commemoration Live Stream

• At the 9/11 Living Memorial in Jerusalem, the Jewish National Fund hosted a ceremony this morning at 11 a.m. ET, accessible via live stream worldwide.
• The event included prayers, lighting of memorial candles, and readings of victim names by Israeli first responders and diplomatic staff.

Tribute in Light Tested in Lower Manhattan

• On the eve of the anniversary, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum tested its annual Tribute in Light installation, assembling 88 xenon lamps into two 48-foot towers of light.
• The beams will shine from dusk on September 11 until dawn on September 12, symbolizing hope and remembrance for the nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks.

Nationwide Municipal and Community Activities

• Local American Legion posts held services today, with communities in Virginia, Wisconsin, and Michigan marking the second day of Patriot Day observances.
• Arlington’s 9/11 Pentagon Memorial and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania also hosted tributes, including wreath-laying, bell ringing, and bagpipe music.

Tomorrow’s flagship ceremonies at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City will feature the traditional reading of nearly 3,000 names, six moments of silence, and the public opening of the Memorial plaza at 8:30 a.m. ET.