Tributes and Ceremonies Mark 24th Anniversary of September 11 Attacks

Columbia, SC, September 17, 2025

News Summary

Americans commemorated the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks with poignant ceremonies and community service across the nation. Notable events included the 14th Annual Morning of Remembrance Ceremony in Columbia, SC, and significant observances at memorial sites such as Ground Zero and the Pentagon. Former President Trump attended the Pentagon ceremony, emphasizing resilience and military strength. Families came together to honor loved ones with personal reflections, while nationwide volunteer efforts were held alongside formal tributes.

Columbia, SC – Americans across the nation commemorated the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks with various ceremonies and volunteer efforts on Thursday. The 9/11 Remembrance Foundation hosted its 14th Annual Morning of Remembrance Ceremony in Columbia, which was once again hosted by Tyler Ryan.

In addition to the event in South Carolina, the Township of Bloomfield, NJ, held a remembrance ceremony the previous week. This event included reflections from local officials alongside a wreath dedication, and attendees enjoyed musical performances. To honor the 2,977 lives lost on 9/11, 2,977 luminary bags were placed around the Town Green.

Significant ceremonies also took place at major memorial sites including Ground Zero in New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The service at the Pentagon, which honored the 184 service members and civilians killed there, was attended by former President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. During his remarks, Trump emphasized the resilience of the American people and underscored the importance of military strength as a deterrent against future attacks.

Family members of attack victims participated in the ceremony at Ground Zero by reading the names of the deceased. This poignant part of the service included the names of individuals such as Denise Matuza, Jennifer Nilsen, and Michelle Pizzo. The reading of victims’ names concluded shortly before 1 p.m., marking the exact moment of the attacks.

In a display of unity, many families chose to honor their loved ones through personal gatherings and reflections. For instance, James Lynch, whose father was lost in the attacks, commemorated the day privately. Public remembrance was accompanied by volunteer projects nationwide, including food drives and community cleanups, as citizens engaged in acts of service on this national day of remembrance.

Moment of silence observances were held at multiple sites across the country, coinciding with the times the planes struck the towers and when the towers fell. High-profile guests at the Ground Zero ceremony included NYC Mayor Eric Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who both reflected on the continued impact of the attacks on America’s collective consciousness and spirit.

The observances this year were marked by heightened political sensitivities following the recent fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In light of safety concerns, Vice President JD Vance attended a ceremony in Utah rather than New York. Trump further commemorated the day by attending a baseball game featuring a pregame ceremony reflecting on September 11.

Many landmark locations were illuminated blue in remembrance of the victims, and Trump issued a proclamation declaring September 11, 2025, as “Patriot Day 2025,” urging flags to be displayed at half-staff. The U.S. government has spent billions on healthcare and compensation for individuals affected by the toxic dust from the attacks. Additionally, there remains ongoing legal action for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind behind the attacks, who has yet to face trial following his capture in 2003.

This year’s commemorations reinforced the narratives of remembrance and resilience in the face of tragedy, as Americans reflected on the lasting relevance of the September 11 attacks in shaping the nation’s values and policies.

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Additional Resources

• Patch: Bloomfield Holds 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
• New York Times: 9/11 and the Children of the Victims
• Associated Press: 9/11 Attacks Anniversary
• CBS News: 9/11 Ceremonies Coverage
• Encyclopedia Britannica: September 11 Attacks

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.