Twenty-four years ago, on a clear September morning, the United States was irrevocably changed by a series of coordinated terrorist attacks. Today, on September 11, 2025, the nation pauses to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the horrific events of 9/11, honoring the victims, the heroes who emerged, and the enduring resilience of the American spirit. Ceremonies are being held across the country, from the hallowed grounds of Ground Zero in New York City to the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and the memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

The day's tragic events began at 8:46 a.m. when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. Seventeen minutes later, at 9:03 a.m., United Airlines Flight 175 hit the South Tower. Both iconic structures of the World Trade Center complex would tragically collapse within two hours. At 9:37 a.m., American Airlines Flight 77 was deliberately crashed into the Pentagon, causing a devastating section of the building to collapse. The final act of terror unfolded at 10:03 a.m. when United Airlines Flight 93 crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew bravely fought back against the hijackers.

In New York City, families of the victims gathered at Ground Zero for the annual reading of the names, a somber tradition that continues to resonate with each passing year. Many of the speakers today are grandchildren of those who perished on that fateful day. The New York City Police Department and the Fire Department of New York, which lost 23 officers and 343 firefighters respectively, held their own ceremonies to honor their fallen brethren and acknowledge those who continue to suffer from illnesses related to their heroic efforts.

At the Pentagon, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, addressed attendees, stating, "The conventional wisdom is that our nation went to war weeks later in Afghanistan. The truth is, we went to war immediately and America started to fight back before the attack was even over." He commended the bravery of first responders and the passengers of Flight 93 who sacrificed their lives to prevent further devastation. President Donald Trump also attended the ceremony at the Pentagon and issued a proclamation declaring September 11, 2025, as "Patriot Day 2025," vowing that "we renew our resolve to ensure that we never again face such a ruthless attack."

The Department of Homeland Security echoed the sentiment, stating, "Twenty-four years later, the Department honors the courage and bravery of the 9/11 first responders, the resilience of the survivors, and the steadfast support of the everyday Americans who continue to inspire our work." The nation's commitment to remembering this dark chapter in its history remains unwavering, with a solemn pledge to "never, ever forget" the sacrifices made and the lives lost on September 11, 2001.