Photo: Alamy
Americans across the country paused Wednesday to mark the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, with memorials, reflections and remembrances in New York City, Washington and beyond, as the nation honored nearly 3,000 lives lost in the terror strikes that forever changed the United States.
In New York, fire departments, first responders and survivors gathered at the World Trade Center site at 8:46 a.m. to commemorate the moment the first hijacked plane struck the North Tower. Across town, members of the NYPD and Port Authority Police Department bowed their heads in silence. The NYPD said in a statement that “September 11, 2001, marked one of our nation’s darkest days. Few responded as bravely as New York City’s first responders.”
In Washington, D.C., many visited the Pentagon Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery to pay tribute. Flags at federal buildings and military installations were lowered to half-staff.
The White House posted on its X account, “On the 24th anniversary of 9/11, we honor the lives lost, the heroes who emerged, and the resilience of the American spirit.”
Families and community groups are also marking the day with vigils in cities such as Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed, and outside local fire stations in towns and suburbs across the country.
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York is also offering special tours and readings of victims’ names, while survivors and loved ones shared personal recollections of that morning. Many remember how the world shifted that day from confusion to resolve in events that forever changed America.
First responders again draw particular attention. The FDNY, NYPD and Port Authority crews who survived are being honored for their courage. Officials are also highlighting those who continue to endure illness or injury rooted in exposure during rescue and recovery operations.
As the nation reflects, many recall the phrase, “We will never forget,” a promise to carry the memory of sacrifice into action and continued defense of liberty for all Americans.