September 11, 2025 – 24 Years of 9/11: The United States is commemorating the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, a tragedy that killed nearly 3,000 people and reshaped America’s domestic and foreign policy for decades. Ceremonies, moments of silence, and memorial gatherings are being held across the nation as families, survivors, and leaders reflect on the attacks that remain etched into history.
The Day the World Changed – September 11, 2001
On the morning of September 11, 2001, 19 al-Qaeda operatives hijacked four commercial airplanes and turned them into weapons of terror.
- Two planes were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, causing the skyscrapers to collapse within hours.
- A third plane slammed into the Pentagon, the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense, just outside Washington D.C.
- The fourth plane, Flight 93, crashed into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after heroic passengers fought back against the hijackers, preventing it from hitting its intended target — believed to be the U.S. Capitol or the White House.
The coordinated assault killed 2,977 innocent people from 77 different countries. Among them were 441 first responders in New York City — firefighters, police officers, and paramedics — who rushed into danger to save others. The death toll did not include the 19 hijackers.
The devastation left America in shock, and the images of burning towers, falling debris, and ash-covered survivors became symbols of grief, resilience, and unity.
America’s Response and the Global War on Terror
In the aftermath, the United States launched the War on Terror, beginning with the invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001. The goal was to dismantle al-Qaeda, topple the Taliban regime that sheltered them, and hunt down al-Qaeda’s leader, Osama bin Laden.
Bin Laden was eventually located and killed in Abbottabad, Pakistan, in May 2011 by U.S. Navy SEALs in a covert operation ordered by President Barack Obama. However, the broader conflict reshaped geopolitics, with long-term U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan, Iraq, and beyond.
Commemorations on the 24th Anniversary
Across the country, solemn ceremonies are taking place on this 24 years of 9/11 milestone. At the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, the annual tradition of reading victims’ names continues. Families gather at the reflecting pools, where the Twin Towers once stood, placing flowers and flags as symbols of remembrance.
Moments of silence are observed at the exact times the planes struck and the towers collapsed:
- 8:46 a.m. – Flight 11 struck the North Tower.
- 9:03 a.m. – Flight 175 hit the South Tower.
- 9:37 a.m. – Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon.
- 10:03 a.m. – Flight 93 went down in Pennsylvania.
Churches, synagogues, and mosques across New York City are also tolling their bells in remembrance. The silence across the city is broken only by the sound of names being read aloud — a ritual that reminds everyone of the personal lives behind the statistics.
A Divided Backdrop in 2025
This year’s anniversary falls during a time of deep political division in America. New York City itself is in the middle of a historic mayoral election featuring three strong contenders: Zohran Mamdani, a socialist Democrat and naturalized U.S. citizen of Muslim background; Andrew Cuomo, the former governor seeking a political comeback; and current mayor Eric Adams.
Mamdani, who currently holds a commanding lead in the polls, has been the subject of fierce political attacks. Former President Donald Trump has branded him a “communist lunatic” and even questioned his loyalty to the country. Critics from the Republican side have gone as far as calling for his deportation.
Speaking to the press, Mamdani reflected on the broader meaning of the attacks:
“It was this horrific day that also marked, for many New Yorkers, the moment they were labeled an ‘other.’ Islamophobic hate crimes spiked after 9/11, and many innocent families were forced to carry a burden they never chose.”
Whether or not Trump himself will attend New York’s commemorative events this year remains unclear.
The Atmosphere in New York
On the eve of the anniversary, U.S. flags and white roses were carefully placed around the reflecting pools at Ground Zero. These symbols stand as a reminder of resilience, sacrifice, and the unity Americans showed in the days that followed the attacks.
At 8:46 a.m. local time, New York will pause for a citywide moment of silence. Schools, businesses, and government institutions are expected to stop activities briefly to honor those who lost their lives.
Rising Political Violence in America
The 24th anniversary of 9/11 also arrives at a troubling time for the nation. Recent months have witnessed a disturbing rise in political violence, including:
- The killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
- The assassination of a Democratic Minnesota lawmaker and her husband.
- The firebombing of a Democratic governor’s residence.
The sharp political climate makes the message of unity from 9/11 commemorations more urgent than ever.
Global Impact of 9/11
Though the attacks happened on American soil, the global consequences of 9/11 were immense:
- Stricter airport security and international travel screening became the new normal.
- Nations around the world joined the U.S. in intelligence-sharing and counter-terrorism measures.
- Muslim communities globally faced rising discrimination, hate crimes, and suspicion.
- Military conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions.
Even after two decades, the aftershocks of 9/11 continue to shape foreign policy, national security priorities, and civil liberties debates worldwide.
Personal Stories Still Resonate
Beyond politics and geopolitics, the heart of the 9/11 story remains deeply human. Survivors, victims’ families, and first responders continue to share their memories:
- Parents who lost children still leave handwritten notes at the memorial.
- Firefighters remember colleagues who never returned from the burning towers.
- Survivors describe how the city smelled of smoke for weeks and how the sky seemed forever changed.
Each year, these stories are retold — not just to grieve, but to remind future generations of the resilience and courage that emerged from unimaginable tragedy.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Marking 24 years of 9/11, Americans continue to balance grief with resilience. The phrase “Never Forget” has become not just a slogan but a responsibility. For younger generations who were born after 2001, these ceremonies serve as lessons in history, sacrifice, and unity.
Despite the political divides and violence that shadow the nation today, the anniversary calls for a renewed commitment to the ideals of solidarity, tolerance, and vigilance.
Also read: Shooting at Evergreen High School Leaves Students Critically Injured – Community in Shock
Conclusion
The 24th anniversary of 9/11 is not just about remembering the attacks of 2001. It is about reflecting on how they changed America, honoring the lives lost, and recognizing the challenges that persist in today’s fractured society.
As bells toll and names are read aloud, America pauses once again — united in grief, divided in politics, yet still carrying forward the memory of a day that altered the course of history forever.
