What to Know
- Memorial events at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and Shanksville include ceremonies, name readings, and the iconic Tribute in Light to honor victims and heroes.
- Special programs like the NYPD Pipes & Drums concert and the Steel Across America campaign connect communities and preserve the memory of 9/11 through music and symbolic artifacts.
- Educational and community initiatives aim to teach younger generations about the significance of 9/11, ensuring the sacrifices and lessons of that day are never forgotten.
A quarter century has passed since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Many Americans are now too young to remember the day that changed our nation forever, but it is important to never forget the sacrifice paid by so many, and to teach younger generations of the significance of their legacy.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners, crashing into the World Trade Center towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. A total of 72 law enforcement officers perished, spanning multiple agencies, including the New York City Police Department, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Secret Service, Fire Department of the City of New York, New York State Office of Court Administration and the New York State Department of Taxation & Finance. A total of 343 FDNY firefighters and 8 paramedics also died that day. The first responders were among the nearly 3,000 people killed in the attacks. The exposure to toxic materials by first responders at the World Trade Center site in New York City following the attacks has led to hundreds more deaths from 9/11-related illnesses.
Here are some of the remembrance events taking place at the attack sites, as well as other events around the country:
World Trade Center Site (New York City)
Commemoration Ceremony: On September 11, the families of victims will gather for a ceremony on the 9/11 Memorial plaza to read aloud the names of the 2,983 men, women, and children killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks and February 26, 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center. Find out more at 911memorial.org.
Tribute in Light: The two beams of light that evoke the memory of the Twin Towers, is a commemorative public art installation first displayed on the six-month anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Since then, Tribute in Light, presented in partnership with Con Edison, has appeared in the night sky each 9/11 to honor those killed and shine a light on the unbreakable spirit of New York. An extension of Tribute in Light supported by New York City Tourism + Conventions, Tribute in Lights provides a unique opportunity to pay tribute and increase public awareness of the anniversary. Buildings and landmarks throughout New York and across the country are invited to light their facades in blue from dusk to dawn on September 11. Find out more at 911memorial.org.
The Pentagon (Arlington, Virginia)
Observance Ceremony: The Pentagon hosts an annual observance and wreath-laying ceremony on September 11 to honor the 184 victims lost at the site. The public can also visit the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, which is open 24 hours a day year-round. The observance includes a moment of silence at 9:37 a.m. (the exact time American Airlines Flight 77 struck the building), national anthems, speeches by military and government officials, and a solemn reading of the names of those lost. Attendance at the official wreath-laying is often by invitation for victims' families and invited guests, but the grounds reopen for public visitation shortly after the ceremony concludes. Find out more at pentagonmemorial.org
Flight 93 National Memorial (Shanksville, Pennsylvania)
Observance Ceremony: The 25th Annual September 11 Observance will take place on September 11 at the Memorial Plaza and is free and open to the public. The event will be held rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, elements of the program are subject to change. Morning Observance 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Wall of Names. The observance includes the reading of the names of the Flight 93 passengers and crew members. The Bells of Remembrance will ring in their honor. Afternoon Ceremony 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at the Wall of Names. The ceremony is open to the public and includes remarks, keynote speakers, music and concludes with a public wreath-laying ceremony at the Wall of Names. Find out more at nps.gov/flni
Offsite Events
NYPD Pipes & Drums 25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Concert: On Sept. 12 at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden, the NYPD Pipes & Drums of the Emerald Society will present a powerful evening of music, remembrance, and tribute to commemorate the tragic events of September 11. For a quarter century, the NYPD Pipes & Drums have played a vital role in honoring the lives lost on 9/11 and the countless first responders who answered the call that day and in the years that followed. The sound of bagpipes has become synonymous with remembrance, sacrifice, and resilience throughout New York City and beyond. Founded in 1960, the NYPD Pipes & Drums is recognized as the original police pipe band in the United States and remains one of the most respected law enforcement pipe bands in the world. For decades, the band has represented the traditions, pride, and service of the New York City Police Department while honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Find out more at NYPDPipesAndDrums.com.
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial: The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, in partnership with the Police Unity Tour, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Foundation, and Operation Longevity, cordially invites you to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial on September 11 at 4 p.m. ET to remember those who lost their lives due to serving and protecting their communities from the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The ceremony is located outside and open to the public. No registration is required. Find out more at nleomf.org
Steel Across America: Hosted by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an unprecedented nationwide campaign that will transport an authentic steel beam from the World Trade Center to communities across the United States. From May through September 2026, this powerful symbol of reverence and resilience will visit landmark locations, sporting events, and town squares, creating moments of connection for those who lived through 9/11 and educational opportunities for those too young to remember. This journey represents more than remembrance — it’s a bridge between generations and a reminder that the spirit of service embodied by Stephen Siller, and so many others, continues to inspire Americans today. Steel Across America launched on May 2 near Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan. Spanning more than 10,500 miles, the steel will make more than 35 stops in 21 states and Washington, D.C., visiting landmark locations, community gathering places, town squares, and major sporting events nationwide before culminating in its return to Ground Zero on September 11th on the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Find out more at t2t.org/steel-across-america-connecting-a-nation
About the Author
Paul Peluso
Editor
Paul Peluso is the Managing Editor of OFFICER Magazine and has been with the Officer Media Group since 2006. He began as an Associate Editor, writing and editing content for Officer.com. Previously, Paul worked as a reporter for several newspapers in the suburbs of Baltimore, MD.