On September 11, 2025, the United States will mark the 24th anniversary of the devastating terrorist attacks that forever changed the nation’s trajectory. From solemn ceremonies at the Pentagon to a poignant gathering at Ground Zero, Americans are coming together to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost and the many more forever altered by the events of that harrowing day.
According to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, 2,977 people died in the coordinated attacks orchestrated by al-Qaeda on September 11, 2001. That morning, 19 hijackers boarded four passenger jets bound for California, dividing into four groups. Five men seized American Airlines Flight 11 and crashed it into the North Tower of the World Trade Center, while another five hijacked United Airlines Flight 175 and steered it into the South Tower. Five more took control of American Airlines Flight 77, slamming it into the Pentagon, and four hijackers captured United Airlines Flight 93, which passengers heroically forced down in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
The immediate impact was catastrophic: the Twin Towers crumbled, the Pentagon burned, and a fourth jet lay shattered in Pennsylvania. The death toll included 2,753 in New York, 184 at the Pentagon, and 40 on Flight 93. Among the fallen were 343 firefighters and 72 law enforcement officers who answered the call at the World Trade Center, as reported by International Business Times.
But the tragedy did not end that day. The World Trade Center Health Program has documented nearly 50,000 people diagnosed with cancers and illnesses linked to toxic dust and debris from the attacks—a staggering 143% increase in the past five years alone. More than 8,200 individuals have died from these related illnesses, including 3,700 from cancer, a toll that now surpasses the number killed on 9/11 itself. Survivors, first responders, and their families continue to bear the physical and emotional scars, and campaigners are still calling for renewed funding to support their healthcare needs.
The nation’s principal site of remembrance is the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York. Yet even this sacred ground is not without controversy. Proposals for a federal takeover to secure its long-term preservation have sparked debate. Some victims’ families support elevating the site to national monument status, believing it would ensure stability and oversight. Others, including New York officials, worry about the risk of political interference. The discussion reflects a broader struggle over how best to honor the memory of those lost and ensure that future generations never forget.
This year’s anniversary is drawing attention from the highest levels of government. President Donald Trump is scheduled to commemorate the occasion at the Pentagon, the White House confirmed on Tuesday. Later that evening, he will attend a New York Yankees game in the Bronx. Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance will travel to Ground Zero in New York City to mark the day, according to the Vice President’s office. Their presence at these sites underscores the enduring significance of 9/11 in American public life and the ongoing commitment to remembrance.
Both Trump and Vance have a history of visiting Ground Zero. Ahead of the 2024 election, they joined former President Biden and former Vice President Harris at the site to pay their respects. The bipartisan nature of these visits is a rare show of unity in a deeply divided political climate, reminding Americans that the memory of 9/11 transcends party lines.
Yet, the politics of 9/11 remain contentious. In August 2024, Vice President Vance sharply criticized the Biden administration for negotiating a plea deal with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak bin Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al-Hawsawi—the men accused of planning the attacks. The two-year negotiation would have allowed the accused to plead guilty in exchange for life without parole, sparing them the federal death penalty. However, in July 2024, a panel of federal appeals court judges threw out the agreement in a 2-1 decision, as reported by Nexstar Media Inc. The legal fate of the alleged masterminds remains unresolved, fueling debate over justice and accountability nearly a quarter-century after the attacks.
Legal proceedings connected to 9/11 continue to reverberate. A federal judge in New York recently allowed a case against Saudi Arabia to proceed to trial, with families of victims alleging that Saudi nationals provided support to the hijackers. Evidence cited includes a 1999 video of Omar al-Bayoumi filming Washington landmarks, which plaintiffs argue could indicate advance reconnaissance. The trial is set to revisit longstanding questions about potential outside support for the attackers and promises to keep the tragedy in the headlines for months to come.
Commemorations on September 11, 2025, are not limited to New York and Washington. Across the country, Americans are finding ways to honor the victims and first responders. In Albany, New York, participants paid tribute to fallen responders with a stair climb at the Empire State Plaza. Laredo, Texas, will see its second annual stair climb at the Sames Auto Arena, dedicated to the 343 FDNY firefighters who perished. In Michigan, ceremonies include flag-lowering, a rifle salute, and a 9/11 Memorial Poker Ride. These tributes, large and small, reflect the enduring commitment nationwide to remember and acknowledge the sacrifices made that day.
As the United States pauses to reflect on this somber anniversary, the wounds of 9/11 remain fresh for many. Survivors and grieving families still bear the scars, both visible and invisible. The debates over memorial governance, ongoing legal battles, and the health crises facing first responders and survivors are reminders that the legacy of September 11 is far from settled.
Yet, amid the sorrow and controversy, the annual rituals of remembrance offer a moment of unity and resolve. Whether at the Pentagon, Ground Zero, or a local firehouse, Americans are coming together to honor those lost, support those still suffering, and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to never forget. For many, the story of 9/11 is not just a chapter in history—it’s a living memory that shapes the country’s conscience and collective identity to this day.