U.S. Observes 24th Anniversary of 9/11 with Nationwide Ceremonies | News Glare

Lead: Across New York City, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, officials and families gathered Thursday for solemn 9/11 memorial ceremonies featuring name readings, wreath-laying and moments of silence.

Nut Graf: Marking 24 years since the 2001 terrorist attacks, these annual observances reaffirm the nation’s commitment to remember the nearly 3,000 victims, honor first responders and renew the vow “never forget,” even as survivors press for ongoing health and benefits support.

New York City: Reading of Names and Moments of Silence

At the National September 11 Memorial & Museum plaza, family members began reading aloud the 2,983 names inscribed on the memorial at 8:30 a.m. Six moments of silence were observed-at the times each plane struck and each tower fell-culminating in a wreath-laying by dignitaries and a bell tolling ceremony. Street closures and heightened security accompanied the event, which concluded around 12:30 p.m. for invited guests and livestream audiences.

Pentagon Tribute

In Arlington, Virginia, military and civilian leaders gathered at the Pentagon Memorial at 9:37 a.m., the moment American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the building. Attendees included Defense Department officials and relatives of the 184 who perished. A wreath was placed at the reflecting pool, followed by remarks emphasizing continued vigilance against terrorism.

Shanksville Ceremony

At the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania, survivors and local officials held a brief service on the crash site’s rolling hills. Participants laid wreaths and read names of the 40 passengers and crew who thwarted the hijackers’ plot, observing a moment of silence at 10:03 a.m., when Flight 93 went down.

Community Service and Local Observances

Beyond the major sites, community groups nationwide engaged in blood drives, charity work and neighborhood cleanups, embodying the spirit of unity that emerged in 2001. In Sudbury, Massachusetts, a Color Guard ceremony, bell tolling and flower-laying at the Heritage Park 9/11 Memorial Garden took place at 8:40 a.m..

Ongoing Impact and Advocacy

Survivors and first-responder groups used the anniversary to call for restoration of federal health programs and cancer screenings for those exposed to toxic debris. Firefighter associations highlighted over 400 line-of-duty deaths since 2001 due to related illnesses, urging Congress to pass pending healthcare legislation.

Subhead for Quick Facts:

When: Thursday, September 11, 2025
Main Locations: NYC Memorial Plaza (8:30 a.m.), Pentagon Memorial (9:37 a.m.), Flight 93 Memorial (10:03 a.m.)
Key Elements: Name readings, six moments of silence, wreath-laying, bell tolling, community service events