Remembering 9/11: NYC’s 24th Anniversary Commemorations Honor Victims and Heroes in 2025
A Solemn Day of Remembrance
Thursday, September 11, 2025 marks 24 years since the worst terrorist attacks in American history. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum, built on the footprint of the fallen Twin Towers in Lower Manhattan, will once again host the annual memorial service, bringing together loved ones to remember the nearly 3,000 people murdered in the coordinated attacks on America.
Memorial Ceremony Details
The ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m., with a citywide moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., marking the time when hijacked American Airlines Flight 11 struck the north tower. Houses of worship across the city will toll their bells at this moment.
Family members of the victims will gather to read aloud the names of those killed in both the 9/11 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. The ceremony will observe six moments of silence, marking when each tower was struck and fell, and commemorating the attacks on the Pentagon and the crash of Flight 93.
Tribute in Light
The iconic Tribute in Light will illuminate the night sky with 88 7,000-watt xenon lightbulbs arranged in two 48-foot squares, mirroring the Twin Towers’ shape and orientation. The display, visible from a 60-mile radius, is particularly significant as there are now 100 million Americans too young to remember 9/11.
Continuing Impact
The tragedy continues to claim lives 24 years later, particularly among first responders. The New York Fire Department has lost more than 400 members to World Trade Center-related illnesses, exceeding the 343 firefighters killed on 9/11 itself. In 2025, the FDNY added 39 more names to the World Trade Center Memorial Wall, honoring members who died from illnesses related to their rescue and recovery work.
A Living Memorial
The Tribute in Light stands as “a symbol of hope and resilience for all New Yorkers.” The 9/11 Memorial Museum continues its mission of telling the story of 9/11 through media, narratives, and authentic artifacts, presenting visitors with personal stories of loss, recovery, and hope, ensuring that future generations never forget this pivotal moment in history.
