NEW YORK — Americans are commemorating the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with solemn ceremonies, volunteer work, and personal tributes. Nearly 3,000 people were killed that day in coordinated attacks by al-Qaida.
Across the country, people are gathering to honor the victims and remember the day that changed history. Memorial events are taking place in New York City, at the Pentagon in Virginia, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
In lower Manhattan, families and officials are attending a ceremony at the World Trade Center site. The names of all 2,977 victims are being read aloud by their loved ones.
Moments of silence are marking the times when hijacked planes struck the twin towers and when the buildings collapsed. Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance are attending the New York ceremony.
At the Pentagon, 184 people who died when a jetliner hit the building are being honored. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are present at this memorial before heading to the Bronx for a baseball game in the evening.
In Shanksville, Pennsylvania, a separate ceremony is remembering the passengers and crew of Flight 93. That plane crashed in a field after passengers tried to stop the hijackers. Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins is attending that service.
Not all remembrances are large public events. Many people are marking the anniversary privately.
James Lynch, who lost his father Robert Lynch in the World Trade Center attacks, is attending a small ceremony near his hometown in New Jersey. His family plans to spend the rest of the day together at the beach.
“It’s one of those things where grief never goes away,” Lynch said at a 9/11 charity event in Manhattan. He and thousands of volunteers were preparing meals for people in need. Lynch said finding moments of joy in grief has helped him heal.
For many Americans, the anniversary is also a day of community service. Volunteers are taking part in food and clothing drives, park cleanups, and blood donations.
This nationwide effort reflects the spirit of unity that many felt in the aftermath of the attacks. It shows how people are choosing to honor the victims through acts of kindness and support.
This year’s remembrance is taking place during a time of heightened political tensions. Authorities have increased security measures around the New York ceremony.
The precautions follow the recent killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot while speaking at a Utah college a day before the anniversary. Officials are being cautious to ensure the safety of those attending 9/11 events.
The 9/11 attacks reshaped U.S. policies and the world. They triggered the U.S.-led wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and launched the broader “Global War on Terrorism.”
These conflicts lasted for years and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians. The attacks also changed U.S. domestic security policies and led to the creation of new government agencies.
Legal proceedings connected to the attacks remain unresolved. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, accused of masterminding the plot, was captured in 2003 in Pakistan. He has been held at Guantánamo Bay since then but has not gone to trial.
Honoring the Victims and Supporting Survivors
The National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York stands on the site of the former twin towers. Two large reflecting pools surrounded by waterfalls mark where the towers once stood. The names of the victims are engraved on bronze panels around the pools.
In recent years, the U.S. government has provided billions of dollars in health care and compensation to people exposed to toxic dust from the collapsing towers. More than 140,000 people are enrolled in health monitoring programs.
These programs aim to detect conditions linked to the hazardous materials released that day. Many rescue workers, survivors, and residents still live with long-term health effects from the attacks.
A Day of Reflection and Unity
The 24th anniversary of 9/11 serves as a reminder of the lives lost and the lasting impact of the tragedy. For many, it is a day to grieve, honor, and remember.
It is also a day to reflect on how the attacks changed the world and to find hope in unity. While grief remains, the commitment to remembrance and service continues to bring people together each year.
Read about the recent tragic incident of Charlie Kirk’s death. It highlights the rising security concerns in the U.S.
