United States Observes 25th Anniversary of September 11 Attacks

The United States will fly American flags at half-staff nationwide on September 11 as a mark of observance for the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that took the lives of 2,977 individuals. This commemoration coincides with a range of memorial events, moments of silence, and service activities scheduled across the country. Federal agencies, state governments, various organizations, and private citizens are urged to engage in Patriot Day observances and remembrance ceremonies.

These anniversaries continue amid ongoing legal proceedings tied to the attacks. Recently, a military judge scheduled a trial for June 5, 2028, for alleged mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and three co-defendants at Guantánamo Bay after a plea agreement fell through.

Key Aspects of the Commemoration

• This year marks 25 years since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
• On September 11, U.S. flags will be lowered to half-staff for Patriot Day.
• Americans are invited to partake in moments of silence and commemorative events.
• A seventh moment of silence will honor those who died later from 9/11-related illnesses.

The Significance of September 11

September 11 remains a deeply significant day in the American calendar. Following the attacks on New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., Congress designated September 11 as Patriot Day in 2001. Annual observances typically involve flying the American flag at half-staff and paying tribute to those lost.

Marking 25 years since the attacks holds particular importance, especially as many younger Americans may not remember the day firsthand. This year’s ceremonies are focused on memorializing victims, recognizing survivors, and honoring the courage of first responders, recovery workers, and military personnel affected by the attacks and their aftermath.

Half-Staff Flag Protocol

The traditional protocol for flying flags at half-staff on Patriot Day involves raising the flag to the peak momentarily, then lowering it to half-staff from sunrise to sunset. At day’s end, it is raised back to peak before being taken down.

Memorial Ceremonies and Scheduled Silences

This year’s memorial events emphasize remembrance. In New York, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum will host a ceremony beginning at 8:30 a.m., featuring readings of victims’ names by family members. Organizers have scheduled seven moments of silence: six commemorating significant events from the day, such as the attacks and the World Trade Center towers’ collapse. A new seventh moment acknowledges those who died from related illnesses and injuries.

Participants nationwide should pause at 8:46 a.m. Eastern time, marking when Flight 11 struck the North Tower. The scheduled moments of silence are:

• 8:46 a.m.—Flight 11 hitting the North Tower
• 9:03 a.m.—Flight 175 hitting the South Tower
• 9:37 a.m.—Flight 77 hitting the Pentagon
• 9:59 a.m.—The South Tower’s collapse
• 10:03 a.m.—Flight 93 crashing near Shanksville, Pennsylvania
• 10:28 a.m.—The North Tower’s collapse

The “seventh moment of silence will conclude
the reading of the names and is set to become a permanent feature of future ceremonies,” reports the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

Observing the 25th Anniversary Nationwide

In addition to official ceremonies, various exhibitions and educational programs mark the anniversary. The “Our Flag Was Still There” exhibit at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum showcases flags associated with Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and subsequent responses, reflecting how the flag symbolized resilience and unity.

Beyond memorial events, Patriot Day is recognized as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. It inspires Americans to honor victims through volunteer efforts and community involvement. Local governments, veterans groups, and civic organizations across the country are set to host memorial programs throughout the anniversary period.