US Marks the 25th Anniversary of the September 11 Terrorist Attacks
While terror victims are remembered at ceremonies held nationwide, for the first time this year, a moment of silence is also being held for those who lost their lives to toxic gas and illnesses.
The United States is remembering those who lost their lives through nationwide ceremonies and memorial events, marking a quarter-century since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Nationwide Memorial Ceremonies
The anniversary of 9/11 is being observed through official events and memorial programs held across America, particularly in New York and Washington. Leaders from around the world are also sharing messages of condolence and solidarity on the 25th anniversary of the disaster.
Events at the Pentagon and in New York
President Donald Trump is attending and delivering an address at the ceremony held at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., while all living former presidents are participating in the central ceremony in New York. Families are reading the names of the victims at the New York memorial site.
New Seventh Moment of Silence and Health Victims
At this year's memorial ceremonies, a seventh moment of silence was declared for the first time for thousands of people who subsequently lost their lives due to illnesses after being exposed to toxic dust at the World Trade Center wreckage, adding a profound meaning to the event.
Declassified Air Quality Documents Released
Just ahead of the anniversary, New York City made public more than 170,000 pages of previously classified records regarding air quality in the area following the attacks. These documents reveal that officials knew at the time that the conditions around ground zero were unsafe.
Security Measures and Aerial Visual Displays
New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced that extensive security measures have been put in place for the anniversary, with street closures implemented, though there is no concrete threat at this time. Meanwhile, ahead of the ceremonies, twin towers were depicted over the harbor using 2,977 drones in memory of those who lost their lives.