US commemorates 25th anniversary of 9/11 attacks

Mourners gathered in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania this week to honor the nearly 3,000 victims of the September 11, 2001 hijackings. Ceremonies were held at local memorial sites, community centers and places of worship, where families, first‑responders and public officials participated in moments of silence, the laying of wreaths and the reading of names.

The events marked the 25th anniversary of the coordinated attacks that saw four commercial airliners seized by terrorists and used to strike the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania. In New York, a candlelight vigil took place near the former Twin Towers site; Virginia’s service was centered at the Pentagon Memorial, and Pennsylvania’s gathering occurred at the crash site in Shanksville, where the fourth plane went down. Organizers emphasized remembrance of the victims, many of whom were from the three states, and highlighted ongoing support for surviving families.

The tributes concluded with a shared pledge to preserve the memory of those lost and to reaffirm commitments to national security and community resilience. Officials from each state reiterated that the legacy of the victims continues to shape public policy and collective consciousness across the United States.