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The 9/11 anniversary ceremonies marked 24 years since the 2001 terror attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. Families, dignitaries, and leaders gathered Thursday in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania to honor victims and renew vows of remembrance.
In Lower Manhattan, relatives of the dead wore shirts bearing the faces of lost loved ones. Many, like Jennifer Nilsen, whose husband died at Cantor Fitzgerald, said the grief remains raw. “It feels the same way every year,” she shared.
Names, Silence, and Personal Tributes
At ground zero, mourners held photos while moments of silence honored the exact times the planes struck. Relatives read the names of victims, weaving personal messages into the solemn ritual. Zoe Doyle said her father’s legacy inspired a nonprofit that now educates thousands of South African children. Melissa Pullis mourned that her late husband would miss their daughters’ weddings. “You can’t walk your princess down the aisle,” she said, fighting tears.
Ceremonies in Virginia and Pennsylvania
At the Pentagon, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump honored the 184 people who died there. Trump vowed the nation would “never forget Sept. 11, 2001,” and pledged that “the enemy will always fail.” In Shanksville, Pennsylvania, mourners gathered at the Flight 93 memorial. They read names, observed moments of silence, and laid wreaths in honor of passengers who stormed the cockpit to prevent further devastation.
Broader Reflections and Service
The 9/11 anniversary ceremonies also encouraged Americans to serve their communities. Volunteers across the country participated in food drives, cleanups, and blood donations as part of a national day of service. While the ceremonies offered unity, they also highlighted lingering divisions. Just one day earlier, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed in Utah, heightening security at New York’s events.
The Lasting Reverberations of 9/11
The 2001 attacks not only killed thousands but also reshaped U.S. foreign and domestic policy. They led to wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, costing hundreds of thousands of lives. The accused mastermind, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, remains in U.S. custody but has yet to face trial. Meanwhile, the government continues funding health care and compensation for survivors exposed to toxic dust in Manhattan.
At the memorial site, waterfalls and engraved names now mark where the twin towers stood, serving as a permanent reminder of loss and resilience.
