September 11, 2001 anniversary
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The gist
The U.S. marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks with ceremonies and tributes.
Nearly 3,000 died that day, and 64% of Americans say life here changed permanently.
Background
September 11, 2026 is the 25th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the downing of United Flight 93 in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, in which nearly 3,000 people were killed. Commemorations are being held across the country, from Honolulu and Sudbury, Massachusetts, to New York City and Washington, D.C. A Gallup poll conducted Aug. 3-24, 2026 found 64% of U.S. adults believe Americans have permanently changed the way they live because of the attacks, tying the high first recorded on the 20th anniversary.
How it unfolded
- Sep 4, 2026New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced he would sign two executive orders declaring September 11 an official Day of Remembrance and Service and strengthening city emergency preparedness.
- Sep 8, 2026President Trump and Vice President JD Vance took part in a Steel Across America event on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., where Trump honored victims and vowed to "never forget."
- Sep 9, 2026The American Legion Family said it would lead 9/11 commemorations, continuing a tradition of local ceremonies held for 24 years.
- Sep 10, 2026Honolulu announced that Honolulu Hale and the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena would be lit blue at sunset on September 11 as part of the national Tribute of Light; Sudbury, Massachusetts, published the first of a three-part series ahead of its memorial garden tribute.
- Sep 11, 2026The 25th anniversary itself, with the Tribute of Light and ceremonies nationwide; President Trump and Vice President Vance were scheduled to visit the attack sites.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said the memory of September 11 remains etched in the nation's history and that the day revealed the courage, compassion and unity of the American people.
- Official
- New York City Fire Department Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said service was the legacy of those who answered the call on September 11, 2001 and those who have died since.
- Public
- Gallup found 64% of U.S. adults believe Americans have permanently changed how they live because of the attacks, tying the high set on the 20th anniversary; 37% say they are very or somewhat worried about being a victim of terrorism.