The United States will hold multiple events on Thursday, September 11th, to commemorate the nearly 3,000 victims who lost their lives in the 2001 “9/11” terrorist attacks. This year marks the 24th anniversary of the tragic event, and solemn ceremonies, charitable activities, and community services will be held across the country to honor this historic tragedy.
In New York City at the World Trade Center site, family members and friends of the victims will individually read out the names of those who perished, followed by a moment of silence at the exact times when the planes crashed into the twin towers and when the towers collapsed. Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance are expected to attend.
At the Pentagon, people will pay tribute to the 184 military and civilian personnel who lost their lives. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are expected to attend the memorial event.
In Shanksville, Pennsylvania, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins will attend a commemorative event, which includes reading out names, observing a moment of silence, and laying flowers to remember the passengers and crew members who perished after fighting against the hijackers on Flight 93.
Various communities across the United States will also respond to the significance of this day through community service activities, including food and clothing drives, park and neighborhood clean-ups, blood drives, and other charitable endeavors.
The “9/11” attacks were carried out by the al-Qaida organization, resulting in the deaths of 2,977 people, including financial industry workers in the World Trade Center and firefighters and police officers who sacrificed their lives in rescue efforts. This event fundamentally changed U.S. domestic and foreign policy and led to the U.S.-led war on terror, with the U.S. deploying troops to Afghanistan and Iraq.
Despite the death of the hijackers during the attacks, the U.S. government has yet to conclude the lengthy legal proceedings against Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who is accused of being the mastermind. He was captured in Pakistan in 2003 and transferred to the Guantanamo Bay military base, where he remains untried to this day.
The New York “National 9/11 Memorial & Museum” is managed by a charitable foundation, with former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg serving as the current chairman. The Trump administration had explored the possibility of federal takeover and elevating it to a national monument, but the related proposals remain controversial.
Over the years, the U.S. government has invested billions of dollars to provide medical care and compensation for people affected by toxic dust, with over 120,000 individuals currently receiving official health monitoring.
Additionally, this year’s commemoration coincides with heightened political tensions. Just a day prior, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at an event in Utah, prompting authorities to enhance security measures for the “9/11” activities.
(The article referenced reports from The Associated Press)