Families gather at 9/11 memorial to honor victims 24 years later
- The 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks was observed at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in Lower Manhattan, New York City.
- Families gathered to remember the lives lost, participating in a ceremony that included reading names and moments of silence.
- This annual commemoration serves to reinforce the collective promise to remember and honor those affected by the tragedy.
On September 11, 2025, the United States marked the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. The memorial took place at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in Lower Manhattan, New York City, where loved ones of the victims gathered to pay tribute. During the solemn ceremony, family members took turns reading the names of the 2,983 individuals killed in the attacks, which included the crashes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The memorial also featured six moments of silence, signifying crucial moments during the attacks. In the morning, dignitaries, including President Donald Trump, commemorated the day with speeches and remembrance activities. The ceremony commenced at 8:25 a.m. with special coverage broadcast by CBS News New York. Attendees were invited to arrive as early as 7:30 a.m. for the gathering. The events included a procession with a flag, pipers, and drummers. Specific moments were dedicated to silence as a mark of respect, reflecting on the timeline of the horrific events as they unfolded. Notably, the first moment of silence occurred at 8:46 a.m., marking the day when the North Tower was struck. Subsequent moments followed, each recognizing the impact and loss of life from multiple locations involved in the attacks. As part of the observance, Taps was performed at approximately 12:15 p.m. following the completion of the reading of names, culminating the memorial ceremony. It was a collective promise of the attendees to never forget the events of that tragic day including the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. The memorial underscored the importance of remembrance amid ongoing changes and challenges post-9/11 in the U.S. Each year, the remembrance helps to reaffirm the national commitment to honor the victims and support the families afflicted by their losses. Today’s memorial also reflected on broader implications — as the U.S. continues to confront issues of national security and terrorism. While the remembrance signified reflection, it also brought to light ongoing societal and political dialogues around safety, policy and respect for those who serve in protective roles in society. The gathering not only aimed to honor those lost but also drew attention to the role of vigilance in a changing nation, as new threats have emerged over the years. The gathering acknowledged the impacts of not just the day itself but also the ripples it created across the nation and the world.