Commemorating 25 Years Since the 9/11 Attacks

Americans are marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, a catastrophic event that profoundly impacted the nation. On that day, the first hijacked airplane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York at 8:46 a.m. Seventeen minutes later, another plane crashed into the South Tower, leading to the collapse of both structures. Hijackers also targeted the Pentagon, and a fourth plane was brought down in a Pennsylvania field by courageous passengers. Ceremonies across the country will honor this national tragedy.

New York Commemoration with a Seventh Moment of Silence

At the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in Manhattan, six moments of silence typically honor the thousands who perished. These moments align with the timeline of the attacks: from the strikes on the World Trade Center towers to the crashes at the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This year, a new seventh moment will remember those who have died from illnesses related to the attacks. This addition acknowledges the growing number of such casualties, now surpassing the original death toll of nearly 3,000 from September 11.

The ceremony, held on Friday, includes a reading of victims’ names. It will be livestreamed, beginning at 8:40 a.m. EDT, with the first silence at 8:46 a.m. Former presidents and prominent figures are expected to attend. Beth Hillman, the CEO of the museum, emphasized the importance of remembrance as many today cannot recall the tragedy first-hand.

Pentagon Observance with Presidential Remarks

President Donald Trump is set to speak at the Pentagon Memorial observance starting at 9 a.m. EDT. The memorial, authorized in 2001 and opened in 2008, honors the 184 victims of the Pentagon attack. A reflective bench for each victim arches over a pool, symbolizing the loss.

The observance will include a reading of names and is streamed online. The Pentagon site gained national recognition recently as an Affiliated Area of the National Park System. Construction of a $35 million visitor education center will begin soon, aiming to open by 2029 despite delays.

Shanksville, Pennsylvania Memorial Event

The ceremony in Shanksville starts at 8:30 a.m. EDT. It commemorates the 40 passengers and crew of United Flight 93 who thwarted hijackers. A marble wall lists their names and traces the flight path of their final moments.

The Flight 93 National Memorial hosts a day of remembrance with a name reading, music, bell ringing, and wreath laying. Governor Josh Shapiro will speak in the afternoon ceremony at 1 p.m. EDT. Events will be streamed live for wider access.

PBS News Coverage

PBS News is reflecting on the 9/11 anniversary by revisiting the day’s events and their lasting effects. Highlights include an account of pilot Heather “Lucky” Penney, who was on a mission to stop Flight 93. Historical coverage also relives the chaos journalists faced while reporting from the Pentagon.

Special correspondent Judy Woodruff highlights how 9/11 continues to shape American lives. Poet Lucille Clifton’s reading from 2006, reflecting on her reactions to the attacks, underscores the emotional and cultural impact of that day.

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