On the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, people across America gathered in solemn remembrance of the victims and reflected on the tragic events that unfolded in 2001. Various ceremonies took place at memorial sites in New York City, northern Virginia, and southwestern Pennsylvania, where attendees laid wreaths and flowers, held moments of silence, and listened as loved ones read the victims’ names.
President Donald Trump delivered remarks at the Pentagon, expressing commitment to remembering the victims and their families, while Vice President JD Vance and all living former presidents attended observances in New York. Notably, for the first time, the ceremony at Ground Zero included a moment of silence honoring those who died from illnesses due to toxic exposures at the site.
Photos captured poignant moments throughout the day. Firefighters participated in ceremonies at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum, while law enforcement officers carried the U.S. flag beside reflecting pools at the New York City memorial. Attendees paused in silence to honor the memory of those lost.
Among the attendees, Juan Lopez, who lost his father Leobardo in the attacks, watched the proceedings alongside notable figures including former Presidents Joe Biden and George W. Bush, former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Governor George Pataki, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
In a moving moment, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended an observance at the Pentagon. A related ceremony also occurred at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania, where family members of Flight 93 victims gathered to participate in commemorative events. Yachiyo Kuge, mother of Flight 93 victim Toshiya Kuge, was seen placing her hand on the engraved name of her son at the memorial.
Siblings and relatives of Flight 93 victim Louis J. Nacke II, including Paula Jacobs and Mary White Henderson, leaned on the Wall of Names, paying tribute to those who perished during the crashing of the hijacked flight into a field.
A man standing by the reflecting pools at the 9/11 Memorial symbolized the nation’s enduring grief and unity during a ceremony marking the day.