America marks 25th anniversary of 9/11
On Friday, 11 September 2026, the United States observed the 25th year since the tragic events that reshaped the nation. A series of ceremonies brought together current, former and past presidents, leaders, survivors and victims’ families.
Presidential presence
Former Presidents George W Bush, Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, together with first‑ladies, gathered at the World Trade Center memorial in New York. The group was joined by Vice‑President J.D. Vance, who “will never, ever forget” the impact of the attacks.
At the Pentagon, President Donald Trump delivered a speech that linked the “war on terror” with his current campaign in Iran. He repeated the mantra "We will never, ever forget," echoing a pledge first made in 2001.
Moments of silence and the Tribute in Light
At each site, a bell rang that matched the exact time when the planes struck the Twin Towers. Then, for nearly four hours, the names of almost 3,000 victims were read aloud, interspersed with moments of silence.
Two beams of white light illuminated the lower Manhattan skyline as part of the Tribute in Light, a visual memorial that has become a staple of 9/11 anniversaries.
Global commemorations
Events took place beyond the United States. In London, the British government held a ceremony at Buckingham Palace that included the ceremonial Changing the Guard. The Toronto Stock Exchange paused trading in memory of its dead. In Gander, Newfoundland, Canadian officials thanked the town for its role in diverting aircraft, while in Milan, international firefighters climbed a tower in a symbolic stair‑climb to honour the fire‑fighting responders.
Voices of survivors and families
Survivor Janice Brooks recounted being in her office on the 84th floor when the Twin Towers were struck, describing the shock of the moment. A widow, Terry Strada of 9/11 Families United, urged for justice against Saudi Arabia, a country whose citizens were involved in the attacks. Her remarks were broadcast worldwide and received applause.
Health impacts still echo
Health officials note that dust‑related illnesses have claimed more than three times the number of lives lost in the attacks, underscoring that the legacy of September 11 continues to affect survivors and the public.
Figure: The two beams of white light that made up the Tribute in Light over Lower Manhattan.
As the day wrapped up, the silence of the memorials and the warmth of the lights served as a reminder of the violence that shook the world and the resilience that followed.
