NEW YORK – The nation paused on Wednesday to mark the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, honoring the memory of the 2,977 victims lost in the deadliest act of terrorism on U.S. soil.
Communities across the country held ceremonies, with the most poignant observances taking place at the three attack sites: the World Trade Center’s Ground Zero in New York, the Pentagon in Virginia, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania.
At Ground Zero, the annual ceremony featured the solemn reading of the names of every victim who perished in the Twin Towers. Family members, survivors, and first responders gathered to observe moments of silence corresponding to the times each tower was struck and fell. Similar rituals of remembrance unfolded at the other sites, where the heroic actions of passengers aboard Flight 93 and the lives lost at the Pentagon were also honored.
President Joe Biden participated in the tributes, joining the nation in reflecting on the tragedy’s profound and enduring impact. The overarching themes of the day were resilience, heroism, and a unified national vow to “never forget.”
In a statement posted on social media platform X, The White House captured the national sentiment, writing: “On the 24th anniversary of 9/11, we honor the lives lost, the heroes who emerged, and the resilience of the American spirit. America will never forget.”
The anniversary continues to serve as a day for the country to reflect not only on the immense loss but also on the unity and strength that emerged in its aftermath.
