The United States (US) is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, with ceremonies taking place at the three sites where nearly 3,000 people were killed.
Victims’ families, survivors, first responders and public officials are gathering at the National September 11 Memorial in New York, the Pentagon in Virginia and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania to remember those who died in the attacks.
The attacks claimed the lives of 2,977 people after al-Qaeda hijackers seized four commercial aircraft and crashed two into the World Trade Centre in New York, one into the Pentagon and another into a field near Shanksville after passengers and crew members attempted to overpower the hijackers.
At the New York memorial, relatives of the victims are reading their names during the annual commemoration, with moments of silence marking key moments in the attacks.
This year’s ceremony also includes a moment of silence for people who died from illnesses linked to exposure to toxic dust released during the collapse of the World Trade Centre towers.
President Donald Trump is attending the anniversary observance at the Pentagon, while Vice President JD Vance is participating in the ceremony in New York. Other members of the administration are attending events in Shanksville.
The Flight 93 National Memorial is holding its 25th annual September 11 observance, including the reading of the names of the 40 passengers and crew members who died when the hijacked aircraft crashed in Pennsylvania.
The White House has proclaimed September 11, 2026 as Patriot Day and directed that the US flag be flown at half-staff in honour of the 2,977 victims of the attacks.
The anniversary is also prompting reflection on the lasting consequences of the attacks, which transformed US national security and foreign policy and contributed to the US-led wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The attacks also led to sweeping changes in aviation security, intelligence gathering and domestic counter-terrorism measures.
25 years later, the events remain a defining moment in American history, while families of victims and survivors continue to grapple with their personal and health consequences.
Across the country, memorial services, vigils, flag displays and community service projects are being held as Americans mark the anniversary and renew the annual call to remember those who lost their lives.
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