Americans are commemorating the milestone anniversary of the September 11 attacks this week, marking 25 years since the tragedy. On that fateful day, the first hijacked plane struck the World Trade Center’s North Tower in New York at 8:46 a.m., followed by a second plane hitting the South Tower 17 minutes later. Both towers eventually collapsed. Another hijacked plane crashed into the Pentagon, and the brave passengers of a fourth plane thwarted an attack, resulting in a crash in rural Pennsylvania.
Communities across the country will hold ceremonies on Friday to honor the national tragedy. Here is a guide to three key 9/11 sites and the events scheduled to commemorate the 25th anniversary.
A Seventh Moment of Silence in New York
“Each year we vow to never forget,” said museum CEO Beth Hillman.
The National September 11 Memorial and Museum in Manhattan typically observes six moments of silence during its annual ceremony, marking major events when the attacks unfolded. This year, for the 25th anniversary, a seventh moment of silence will be added to honor those in lower Manhattan who have died from illnesses or injuries related to the attacks. The ceremony starts on Friday at 8:40 a.m. EDT, and the first moment of silence will occur at 8:46 a.m.
Four ex-presidents and former New York Sen. Hillary Clinton are expected to attend the ceremony at Ground Zero. The museum will livestream the event on its website.
Trump Expected to Deliver Remarks at the Pentagon
President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak during a ceremony at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, starting at 9 a.m. EDT. This memorial commemorates the 184 people who died when a hijacked plane hit the Pentagon. The site includes stainless steel benches dedicated to each victim. The ceremony will include a reading of the victims’ names and remarks by Trump, streaming via PBS News.
The site’s formal recognition as an “Affiliated Area of the National Park System” highlights its significance. A $35 million visitor education center is planned to open near the memorial by 2029.
In Pennsylvania, Remembering a Flight That Never Reached Its Runway
The Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, will hold its commemorative ceremony Friday starting at 8:30 a.m. EDT. Here, forty passengers and crew of United Flight 93 died after preventing their plane from reaching its intended target. A white marble wall bears their names along the flight path of the plane that crashed into a field that day.
The memorial service will include the reading of victims’ names, musical performances, and the ringing of the Bells of Remembrance. It will conclude with a ceremony featuring Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, followed by a separate wreath-laying at the Wall of Names. Events will be livestreamed on YouTube.
How PBS News is Observing the Anniversary
PBS News marks the 25th anniversary by revisiting the events of September 11 and exploring how the attacks continue to impact Americans today. Special correspondent Judy Woodruff visits the New York memorial, discussing the long-lasting effects of that day.
From the PBS archives, poet Lucille Clifton’s reading of “september song: a poem in seven days,” is featured. The poem reflects her immediate reactions to 9/11 and the ensuing aftermath, offering insights into the emotional turmoil. Support for trusted journalism and civil dialogue remains crucial for democracy.