The United States marked 25 years since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on Friday, with ceremonies held at the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan, the Pentagon in Washington, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
A Quarter Century Of Remembrance
The morning commemoration at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum began at 8:30 a.m. and was reserved for family members of the nearly 3,000 people killed when hijacked airliners struck the World Trade Center's twin towers, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania after passengers fought back against their hijackers. The memorial's plaza reopened to the general public later in the afternoon following the private ceremony, with the annual Tribute in Light installation set to illuminate the Lower Manhattan skyline from dusk until dawn.
Reflections From Leaders
Former President George W. Bush, who was less than eight months into his first term when the attacks occurred, said in remarks this week that Americans too often fail to heed the lessons of September 11, warning against isolationist impulses that ignore how events overseas can affect national security at home. Britain's intelligence chief also marked the anniversary by cautioning that a new strategic shock on the scale of 9/11 could already be forming in places security services aren't currently watching.
Stories Of Service
Coverage throughout the day highlighted first responders and bystanders who stepped in to help on the day of the attacks, including accounts from survivors and rescue workers describing the chaos and heroism of that morning. Events were also held in communities across the country, from moments of silence to memorial services honoring victims, first responders and military service members affected by the attacks and the conflicts that followed.
A Milestone Anniversary
This year's 25th anniversary drew heavier-than-usual security, visitor numbers and media attention to the memorial site, with organizers noting the milestone nature of the occasion compared to typical annual observances. As the country continues to grapple with the attacks' long-term impact on policy, security and public memory, Friday's ceremonies underscored how the day remains a defining touchstone in American history a full generation later.