According to CNN, the United States marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks with solemn ceremonies at ground zero in New York, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania. Relatives of the victims read aloud the names of the lost while participants observed seven moments of silence.
New York Ceremony and Moments of Silence
At the former World Trade Center site in New York, families gathered to honor the victims of the 2001 attacks. According to CNN, attendees stood for seven distinct moments of silence to mark critical junctures of that day. Six of these pauses corresponded with the exact times four hijacked commercial airliners struck their targets and when the twin towers collapsed. A seventh moment of silence honored individuals who died later from illnesses linked to the 9/11 attacks.
Several prominent figures attended the New York commemoration. According to reporting from CNN, the gathering included U.S. Vice President JD Vance, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former President Joe Biden, and former President Barack Obama.
Pentagon and Pennsylvania Tributes
President Donald Trump joined a separate memorial service at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Virginia, according to CNN. The attacks in 2001 involved four hijacked planes. Two aircraft struck the World Trade Center towers in New York, resulting in 2,977 deaths. American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon near Washington, D.C., killing 184 people. A fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in a rural area of Pennsylvania after passengers fought back against the hijackers, preventing the aircraft from reaching its intended target.
The Pentagon memorial sits on the southwest side of the building in Arlington, Virginia, and officially opened on September 11, 2008. The outdoor site features illuminated benches dedicated to each victim of the Pentagon attack and Flight 77. CNN notes that the benches are arranged by age, ranging from three-year-old Dana Falkenberg to 71-year-old John Yamnicky Sr., with each person’s name engraved directly onto their bench.
Did you know? The Pentagon memorial organizes its 184 illuminated benches by the age of the victim, ranging from three-year-old Dana Falkenberg to 71-year-old John Yamnicky Sr.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many moments of silence were observed at the New York ceremony?
Participants observed seven moments of silence. Six marked the hijackings, the twin tower impacts, and the collapses, while the seventh honored those who died later from 9/11-related illnesses, according to CNN.
Who attended the New York 9/11 anniversary ceremony?
According to CNN, attendees included U.S. Vice President JD Vance, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former President Joe Biden, and former President Barack Obama, alongside family members of the victims.
Where did President Donald Trump attend a memorial service?
President Donald Trump participated in a separate service at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Virginia, according to CNN.
What happened to the fourth plane involved in the 9/11 attacks?
United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in a rural area of Pennsylvania after passengers intervened and fought the hijackers, preventing the aircraft from hitting its intended target, according to CNN reporting.
Explore our latest news updates and share your thoughts on this coverage in the comments below.
Related reading