The United States marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with somber ceremonies on Sunday.
In New York, bells rang at precise intervals to commemorate the times the four hijacked planes crashed and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center fell. Following each bell chime, a moment of silence was observed. This year, a seventh bell was rung to honor the thousands who have died from illnesses, including cancer, linked to the attacks. U.S. health officials indicate that these dust-and-smoke-related illnesses have claimed more than three times the number of lives lost on the day of the attacks, which was nearly 3,000.
Solemn commemorations were also held at the Pentagon in Virginia and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed. These events brought together survivors, first responders, and families of victims to remember the tragic events.
Janice Brooks, who had recently started working on the 84th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center just two weeks before the attacks, recounted her experience. She was in her office when the first plane struck the North Tower. As she was evacuating, the second plane hit the South Tower with a "huge thud." Brooks described hearing "one of those horror movie screams" as a woman was struck by debris. Looking up, she saw a "big gaping hole" where her office had been.
Memorial services also took place internationally, including at St. Paul's Chapel in New York, where survivors and first responders found refuge. In London, England, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Warren Stephens, spoke at a memorial service at Lloyds of London. The Massed Bands of the Guards Division performed during a commemorative Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
In Italy, firefighters in Milan participated in a memorial stair climb, ascending and descending 33-story Torre Galfa four times while wearing 20-kilogram turnout gear. This climb honored the 343 members of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) who died during the collapse of the World Trade Center towers.
Services were held at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, where attendees gathered to pay their respects. U.S. President Donald Trump spoke at the 25th anniversary commemoration at the Pentagon. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was also present at the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum.