Commemorations were held nationwide on Friday to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, marking a quarter-century since commercial flights were hijacked and crashed into the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
In New York City, dignitaries gathered at the National September 11 Memorial. Attendees included Vice President JD Vance, former Presidents Joe Biden and George W. Bush, and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The ceremony drew family members of victims, including Matt Dunleavy and his daughter Ellie, as well as survivors like George Mironis, who held a photograph and note for a fallen firefighter.
At the Pentagon, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived for the observance. Military personnel and first responders watched as an American flag was unfurled on the building’s side. In the courtyard, attendees such as 8-year-old Hillel Schultz witnessed the proceedings.
Elsewhere, the Austin Fire Department conducted its annual Memorial Stair Climb at Pleasant Valley Tower. Firefighters ascended 1,386 feet, matching the height of the former World Trade Center tower, to pay tribute to fallen colleagues. Children, including the Penny and Zwolinski families, held posters supporting the firefighters.
In St. Louis, the “Flags of Valor” installation at Forest Park’s Art Hill featured more than 7,600 American flags representing service members, first responders, and civilians who died in the attacks and subsequent conflicts. Volunteers, including Suzi Mahe, adjusted portraits honoring the deceased, while residents like Darlene and David Johnson viewed the exhibit.
The Chicago Fire Department also held a ceremony at Navy Pier, joining observances in cities such as Washington D.C. and Shanksville as the nation reflected on the lives lost 25 years ago.
Did anyone else notice the absence of the current President at the NY ceremony? Odd choice for such a significant anniversary.
I never thought I would see another president attend alongside former presidents. The continuity of respect is really meaningful.
It is heartbreaking how fast twenty-five years have flown by. We must never forget the lives lost that day.