America Marks 25th 9/11 Anniversary With Memorials Across the Nation

Americans on Friday marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, remembering the nearly 3,000 people killed and reflecting on the profound changes the tragedy brought to the United States and the world.

Memorial ceremonies were planned across the country, featuring wreath-laying, flag displays, moments of silence, vigils and readings of victims’ names. President Donald Trump was scheduled to attend the anniversary observance at the Pentagon, while Vice President JD Vance was expected at the National September 11 Memorial in New York.

The attacks began when al-Qaida militants hijacked four commercial aircraft. Two planes were crashed into New York’s World Trade Centre, another struck the Pentagon near Washington, while the fourth came down in Pennsylvania after passengers and crew members attempted to overpower the hijackers.

At Ground Zero, relatives traditionally read the names of those killed. This year, the ceremony included a new moment of silence for people who became sick and later died after exposure to toxic dust released by the collapsing towers.

The attacks triggered the US-led war on terrorism, including the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, while prompting sweeping changes in aviation security, intelligence gathering, surveillance and financial regulations. Osama bin Laden, al-Qaida’s leader, was killed in Pakistan in 2011. However, alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed remains without a trial more than two decades after his capture.

The attacks also produced a wave of patriotism but contributed to anti-Muslim prejudice and hate crimes. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim mayor, faced criticism over his planned attendance at the Ground Zero ceremony.

Beyond remembrance, September 11 has become a National Day of Service and Remembrance, with volunteer activities organised across the country. In Times Square, dozens of billboards were set to pause advertisements at 9:11 am and display only the time as a tribute.