United States Observes 24th Anniversary of 9/11 with Solemn Ceremonies | News Glare

Lead: Americans across the nation paused Thursday to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks with memorial services in New York, at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, marking the 24th anniversary of the worst attack on U.S. soil.

Nut Graf: The commemorations underscore a continued commitment to “never forget,” drawing survivors, families of the nearly 3,000 victims, elected officials and first responders to public and private remembrances that blend official ritual with community service.

National Memorials Unite Families and Officials

At the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in Lower Manhattan, family members read aloud the names of all 2,983 victims. Six moments of silence-at 8:46 a.m., 9:03 a.m., 9:37 a.m., 9:59 a.m., 10:03 a.m. and 10:28 a.m.-marked each impact and collapse of the Twin Towers, the Pentagon strike and the Flight 93 crash.

Ceremony began at 8:30 a.m. on the Memorial Plaza, preceded by the ringing of the Bell of Hope.
Officials in attendance included New York’s governor and mayor, alongside dignitaries from around the world.
The service concluded around noon with a bagpipe performance and the playing of Taps.

Pentagon and Flight 93 Memorials Emphasize Shared Sacrifice

In Arlington, Virginia, a ceremony at the Pentagon Memorial paid tribute to the 184 military and civilian personnel slain when hijackers crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the building. President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance delivered remarks on unity and vigilance.

Meanwhile, at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, wreaths were laid and family members participated in readings to honor the 40 passengers and crew whose actions prevented further devastation.

Community Service Reflects Enduring Legacy

Beyond formal remembrances, many Americans observed the anniversary through volunteer work and charitable events:

Neighborhood cleanups, food and clothing drives, and blood donation clinics were organized nationwide.
Local firehouses and first-responder units hosted open houses to educate the public on emergency preparedness.
Memorial walks and runs raised funds for survivor and first-responder relief organizations.

Security and Context

Heightened security measures were in place at all major sites amid ongoing national tensions. Authorities cited the recent fatal shooting of activist Charlie Kirk as a factor in bolstered protocols around high-profile gatherings.

As families and communities across the country reflected on loss and resilience, speakers emphasized that remembrance is not just an annual ritual but a call to uphold democratic values and collective strength.