Communities across the United States and abroad gathered to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, honoring the nearly 3,000 people killed when al-Qaeda hijackers downed planes in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Memorial events featured reading victims’ names, moments of silence corresponding to the timing of the crashes, and addresses by political and military leaders.
Pentagon Ceremony and Official Addresses
At the Pentagon in Washington, DC, US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended the 25th-anniversary commemoration, marking the second year in a row for Trump to mark the day at the Pentagon, according to the Guardian. During the ceremony, the names of the 184 victims of the Pentagon attack were read aloud. Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine spoke to attendees, stating that “today is not just a story of loss; it is also a story of great American courage, selfless service, and those who’ve made the choice to carry those memories forward.” Additional speakers at the Pentagon included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
New York City Observances and Distinguished Attendees
At the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City, crowds gathered as family members read aloud the names of the 2,977 victims who died in the 9/11 attacks, alongside the six individuals killed in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Vice-President JD Vance attended the New York observance alongside former presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and George W. Bush, as well as former first ladies Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, according to reporting cited by the Guardian. Musical performances at the New York site included sets by Jennifer Nettles, Yo-Yo Ma, the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s.
New Additions to the New York Memorial Timeline
The annual New York ceremony incorporated a seventh moment of silence, establishing a permanent addition to honor individuals who have died from the health effects of 9/11 and its aftermath. Historically, throughout the preceding 24 years, the 9/11 commemoration featured six distinct pauses to observe when both World Trade Center towers were struck and collapsed, alongside the respective moments of the Pentagon attack and the United Airlines Flight 93 crash in Pennsylvania. Following the attacks, over the subsequent decades, countless lower Manhattan residents, rescue and recovery personnel, and first responders have succumbed to illnesses connected to 9/11.
Did you know?
The New York City commemoration historically observes six specific moments of silence. The newly added seventh moment permanently acknowledges the thousands of rescue workers and lower Manhattan residents who have lost their lives to 9/11-related health conditions since 2001.
International Tributes and Statements
International leaders also marked the quarter-century milestone. In a post on X, Taoiseach Micheál Martin stated that “today we honour and remember all those who lost their lives during the September 11th attacks, a day of unspeakable horror that shook the world.” Martin noted that at least 18 Irish citizens and an estimated 1,000 were of Irish heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the seventh moment of silence added in New York?
The seventh moment of silence honors all who have died from the health effects of 9/11 and its aftermath.
Which political leaders attended the New York City ceremony?
Vice-President JD Vance attended alongside former presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and George W. Bush, as well as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Where did President Donald Trump speak on the anniversary?
President Donald Trump delivered remarks and participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Pentagon commemoration in Washington, DC.
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