As the United States observes the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Hollywood pauses to reflect. Ceremonies and moments of silence are held nationwide to honor the 2,977 individuals who lost their lives. Celebrities share their personal reflections, tributes, and messages of remembrance on this day that forever impacted America.
Celebrity Tributes
Among those leading tributes are Mark Wahlberg and Martha Stewart. Mark Wahlberg posted a video on Instagram featuring an American flag waving on a flagpole. He captioned it, “This anniversary is always a gut punch of emotions…words just can’t say it all.” He expressed his sentiments using hashtags like #neverforget911 and #freedomisntfree.
Martha Stewart shared her personal experience from the day. She was in Tokyo when the attacks occurred, watching live footage as events unfolded. With communication to the United States disrupted, she felt an uncertainty about the safety of her family and friends. Stewart recounted staying glued to the television for updates and eventually taking a train to Kyoto to seek peace amid the chaos.
Reflections and Find of Solace
Stewart described visiting a temple in Miho, Japan, at the suggestion of a friend. The temple, designed by the same architect of the World Trade Center, Minoru Yamasaki, offered an unexpected moment of solace. Despite being closed, the organ played “America the Beautiful” which led Stewart and her companions to tears as they grieved the losses of that tragic day.
Other Celebrity Reactions
Dean Cain shared a tribute on X, displaying a selfie with an American flag in the background and a cross made from steel from the fallen towers. Hugh Jackman posted a video montage on his Instagram story, featuring a black-and-white image from Ground Zero with the words, “REMEMBER.” Sarah Jessica Parker shared a montage of New York, with a beam of light rising behind One World Trade Center, expressing her unwavering love for the city.
International Tributes
The British royal family participated in commemorations marking the solemn anniversary, highlighting a Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The ceremony included performances of national anthems and “Hymn to the Fallen” and “Amazing Grace.” Earlier in the year, King Charles III and Queen Camilla paid their respects at the 9/11 Memorial in New York.
A large American flag was displayed between two fire trucks in Jersey City, New Jersey, with One World Trade Center in view. Cyndi Lauper was among the artists performing at “9/11 Tribute in Light: Live from Lower Manhattan,” honoring the nearly 3,000 victims, survivors, families, and communities affected by the attacks.