America honours 9/11 victims on 25th anniversary of attacks

Americans across the United States are marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, honouring the nearly 3,000 people killed and reflecting on the social, legal and global security consequences that have profoundly changed the country.

A recent poll found that nearly half of American adults regarded the attacks as the most significant historical event of their lifetime. Commemorations nationwide include wreath-laying, flags flown at half-mast, moments of silence, candlelit vigils, readings of victims’ names and community service.

Senior leaders to attend ceremonies at attack sites

Speaking at a remembrance event in Washington, US President Donald Trump described September 11 as one of the rare moments in history that divided time into a clear “before” and “after”.

Trump is scheduled to attend the official commemoration at the Pentagon, while Vice President JD Vance is expected at the National September 11 Memorial in New York. Other senior officials will attend the ceremony at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania.

Commemorations extend well beyond the principal attack sites. They include beams of light projected into the sky from Mount Washington in New Hampshire, a stair-climbing event at Mississippi State University’s stadium and a ceremony at the 9/11 memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Ground Zero adds tribute to those lost to related illnesses

Traditionally, the commemoration at Ground Zero in New York features no political speeches. Instead, relatives read the names of those killed, with moments of silence marking key points in the sequence of the attacks.

For the first time, this year’s ceremony will include an additional moment of silence honouring people who were exposed to the toxic dust and smoke released by the collapse of the World Trade Center’s twin towers and later died from cancer and other serious illnesses.

The attacks began when al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial aircraft. Two struck the World Trade Center’s twin towers, another hit the Pentagon and the fourth crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

The events triggered a sweeping reorganisation of US security, including the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, expanded federal surveillance powers and changes to aviation security. They also ushered in the global “war on terror”, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Social legacy and scrutiny of New York’s mayor

The attacks also left a profound social legacy. A wave of patriotism inspired many Americans to join the armed forces, police and fire services, but the aftermath also brought increased mistrust and hate crimes directed at Muslims.

Over the past quarter-century, Muslim Americans have taken on a greater role in public life, including Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s first Muslim mayor.

Despite criticism from some political figures over his planned attendance, Mamdani said he intended to join the ceremony to remember bereaved families and the first responders who made sacrifices during what he described as a horrific act of terrorism.

Service and remembrance across generations

Although September 11 is not a federal public holiday, Congress has designated it Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance, encouraging people to honour those affected through service to their communities.

Volunteer organisations such as 9/11 Day are organising opportunities for the public to take part in community activities. The organisation has also coordinated a tribute involving dozens of digital advertising screens in Times Square.

At 9.11am New York time on Friday (September 11), participating screens will pause their advertisements and display the time instead, inviting people to reflect on the lives lost and the spirit of national solidarity that followed the attacks.