24th Anniversary of 9/11 Marked by Somber Ceremonies Across U.S.

Lead Thousands gathered at Ground Zero, the Pentagon and Shanksville on Thursday to honor nearly 3,000 victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks with readings of names, moments of silence and vigils.

Nut Graf On the 24th anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil, officials, survivors and families of the fallen converged on key memorial sites in New York City, Arlington, Virginia, and Somerset County, Pennsylvania. The solemn observances underscored the enduring impact of that day and the nation’s commitment to “never forget.”

New York City Memorial Plaza

  • At 8:30 a.m., family members began an in-person reading of victims’ names at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum plaza, punctuated by six moments of silence marking the times each tower was struck and collapsed, and the Pentagon and Flight 93 attacks.
  • The annual Tribute in Light illuminated the Lower Manhattan skyline from dusk to dawn, while bagpipers performed weekly tributes for the victims and those affected by ground zero toxins.
  • Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani made his first public appearance following a serious car accident, arriving in a wheelchair and body brace to join survivors and officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul and FBI Director Kash Patel.

Pentagon Ceremony

  • In Arlington, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump led a service honoring 184 military personnel and civilians killed when Flight 77 slammed into the Pentagon.
  • The president delivered remarks stressing national unity and resilience before departing for a New York-Detroit baseball game later in the day.

Shanksville, Pennsylvania Commemoration

  • At the Flight 93 National Memorial, wreaths were laid and names read aloud as visitors observed moments of silence at the crash site where passengers thwarted another hijacking attempt.
  • Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins attended the rural ceremony, sharing reflections on heroism and sacrifice.

Nationwide Acts of Service Across the country, communities embraced Patriot Day as a national day of service-organizing blood drives, food and clothing donations, neighborhood cleanups and educational programs to pass on lessons of empathy and civic duty to younger generations.

Political and Public Figures Pay Tribute

  • New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams released a statement urging “reflection on our shared values” and calling for continued support for survivors and first responders.
  • At a firehouse near Ground Zero, union leaders highlighted cuts to federal health programs for 9/11 responders and the rising toll of related illnesses among firefighters.

Every year on September 11, Americans reaffirm their resolve to remember the victims, honor the heroes and uphold the unity forged in the wake of tragedy.