NYC Remembers 9/11 Victims 23 Years Later

NEW YORK CITY, NY – Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks that profoundly transformed New York City and the nation. 

Nearly 3,000 lives were lost when al-Qaeda hijackers crashed four planes into the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and a field in southwestern Pennsylvania.

For the past 23 years, families who lost loved ones in the deadliest terror attack on American soil have gathered each year to observe six moments of silence, hear the reading of the names, and honor their solemn pledge to never forget.

On Wednesday, the ceremony honored the 2,983 victims of the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, Flight 93, and the 1993 WTC bombing. 

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum opened its doors to family members at 8:00 a.m., before the official commemoration began at 8:46 a.m. At that time, a citywide moment of silence was observed to mark the impact of hijacked Flight 11 on the North Tower. 

A second moment of silence was held at 9:03 a.m. for the crash of Flight 175 into the South Tower, followed by a third moment of silence at 9:37 a.m. for Flight 77’s impact on the Pentagon.

As the years go by, more names are read by children and young adults born after the attacks, as the responsibility of remembering this day is handed down to a new generation.

This year, the commemoration was particularly notable as it coincided with the presidential election season. The anniversary ceremony at the World Trade Center saw a rare moment of unity with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump present, just hours after their first debate on Tuesday night.

President Biden and Trump shook hands, and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg facilitated a handshake between Harris and Trump. The presidential rivals stood just a few feet apart, with Biden and Bloomberg in between them, as the observance began with the tolling of a bell and a moment of silence.

As Americans reflect on this solemn day, it is a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that emerged from tragedy. September 11 remains a day for honoring the past and committing ourselves to a future where the values of remembrance and solidarity continue to guide us.