On September 11, 2025, communities across the United States paused to remember the tragic events of 9/11, marking the 24th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that forever changed the nation’s landscape. From the solemn gathering outside Rye Fire Department headquarters in New York to the energetic 9/11 Heroes Run in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, Americans came together to honor the lives lost, the resilience of survivors, and the enduring spirit of unity that emerged from one of the country’s darkest days.
In Rye, New York, the annual September 11th Commemoration Ceremony unfolded under a clear evening sky, with residents and local officials gathering at 5:30 p.m. on Locust Avenue. Mayor Josh Cohn delivered moving remarks, reflecting not only on the thousands of friends, neighbors, and fellow Americans who perished, but also on the many who have suffered since, including beloved members of the Rye community. According to MyRye.com, Mayor Cohn began by acknowledging the losses: “Today, we mark the 24th anniversary of the loss of thousands of our friends, neighbors and fellow Americans. As well as those from other countries who had the ill fortune to be among us as we bore the brunt of a brutal and suicidal act of religious fanaticism.”
His words resonated deeply with those in attendance, as he called attention to the ongoing struggles of survivors, first responders, and families who continue to carry the weight of that day. “We remember those who died that day and those who have died since from the effects of that day or as responders in the days that followed – including beloved members of our community. We feel the plight of those who are ill even now. Our hearts go out to all lost, all who continue to suffer and all the families carrying the weight of 9/11. We remain ever so grateful to the responders who hurried to help,” Cohn said, his voice steady but somber.
Mayor Cohn’s reflections were not abstract. He shared his own personal connection to the tragedy, recalling his years living in lower Manhattan, working in the twin towers for eight years, and even being present in the lobby of Tower 1 during the 1993 bombing. “I watched on a TV in a midtown office conference room years later as the towers fell. I knew the people and the place,” he recounted, underscoring the lasting impact the attacks have had on individuals and communities alike.
But as time passes, Mayor Cohn observed, the visceral memory of September 11, 2001, is fading for many—particularly among younger generations for whom the date is increasingly just a line in a history book. He posed a poignant question: “How can we teach them why it is important to remember 9/11? What should we want to teach them?”
Attempting to answer, Cohn suggested, “We should want to teach them about the wonderful people who were lost – their lives, their stories. Let’s make them real and the event real. We should want to teach them that we lost those people in a global clash of cultures and power that continues. We cannot ignore that clash and we can’t cease to be ourselves to avoid it.”
He emphasized the necessity of unity and strength in the face of ongoing global challenges, noting, “We must be strong and unified if we wish to survive this clash. We can be that strong only if we can account to ourselves– in good faith – that we, that our cause, is just and that in protecting and promoting our values we benefit not only ourselves, but our shared world.”
As the ceremony concluded, Mayor Cohn urged the community to hold onto the lessons of 9/11—not just the remembrance of great loss, but also the responsibilities and values that make Americans, in his words, “the leaders of the free world.” He closed with a simple but powerful call: “Let’s remember those lost and those who are ill. In our hearts let’s hug them and their families. Thank you.”
Hundreds of miles to the south, the spirit of remembrance took on a different but equally heartfelt form in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. The Travis Manion Foundation hosted its annual 9/11 Heroes Run at the Seawalk Pavilion, beginning at 8 a.m. As reported by News4Jax, this event—now in its 18th year and one of more than 100 runs worldwide—brought together participants of all ages and abilities, from competitive runners to families running in memory of loved ones.
The 9/11 Heroes Run honors not only those who perished in the attacks but also veterans, first responders, and active service members who continue to protect communities across the nation. The foundation’s mission extends beyond commemoration, aiming to raise awareness about the mental health challenges that veterans face. According to the organization, “more than four times as many service members and veterans have died by suicide since 2001 than were killed in combat.” This sobering statistic underscores the ongoing toll of 9/11—not only in terms of the lives lost on that day, but in the enduring struggles faced by those who serve.
The event’s inclusive atmosphere was evident as families, friends, and individuals of all backgrounds laced up their sneakers and hit the pavement, united by a shared commitment to honor, remember, and support one another. The run also served as a platform to connect the broader community with the stories and sacrifices of veterans and first responders, encouraging ongoing dialogue and support for those who continue to bear the unseen wounds of service.
As the sun rose over Jacksonville Beach, the energy was palpable. For many participants, the run was not just about physical endurance, but about carrying forward the legacy of those lost and the values of courage, compassion, and resilience. The foundation, named after U.S. Marine Corps officer Travis Manion—who was killed in Iraq in 2007—reminds attendees each year of the enduring impact of individual acts of bravery and the importance of supporting those who serve.
Across both Rye and Jacksonville Beach, the commemorations reflected a nation still grappling with the meaning of 9/11, even as the initial shock has faded for some. Whether through solemn reflection or active participation, Americans continue to seek ways to honor the memory of those lost, support those still suffering, and pass on the lessons of that day to future generations.
As Mayor Cohn so eloquently put it, “We won’t ever be perfect, not even close, but we can try, always, to stand for good. From that we cannot retreat.” The ceremonies and runs held on September 11, 2025, served as a testament to that enduring promise—one that binds communities together in remembrance, resilience, and hope.
