Archive · 11 Sep 2026
9/11 25th Anniversary Marked by Ceremony at Ground Zero
People gathered at Ground Zero to remember the victims of the September 11 attacks.
The ceremony marked 25 years since the attacks in 2001.
Leaders, firefighters, police officers, families, and other mourners attended.
The names of those who died were read aloud.
Bells rang and people paused for silence at important moments from that day.
Another pause remembered people who later died from health effects linked to the attacks.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani praised firefighters and other New Yorkers who helped strangers.
Some victims’ family members had questioned whether Mamdani should attend, but he took part in the ceremony.
A solemn 25th-anniversary ceremony was held at Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan on September 11.
Vice President J. D. Vance, all four living former presidents, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani attended.
Victims’ names were read aloud, with bells and seven moments of silence marking key events and later deaths.
Mamdani honored more than 300 city firefighters who responded to the burning World Trade Center towers.
Some victims’ families had urged Mamdani not to attend, citing concerns about his public positions and associations.
- Who
- Vice President J. D. Vance, all four living former U.S. presidents and their wives, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, officials, first responders, victims’ families, and mourners attended.
- What
- A solemn ceremony commemorated the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, including readings of victims’ names, bells, and seven moments of silence.
- When
- September 11, 2026, the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
- Where
- The 9/11 Memorial and Museum at Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan, New York City.
- Why
- To honor those killed in the attacks, first responders, and people who later died from related health effects, while remembering acts of courage and service.
Supporters of Mamdani’s Attendance
Critics of Mamdani’s Attendance
Participation in the Memorial
Supporters of Mamdani’s Attendance
Mamdani attended and described September 11 as a horrific act of terror and a day of immeasurable loss, while honoring victims and first responders.
Critics of Mamdani’s Attendance
Some victims’ family members and other groups urged him not to attend, saying participation should affirm respect for victims and clearly reject ideologies linked to the violence.
Meaning of Remembrance
Supporters of Mamdani’s Attendance
Mamdani said remembrance should include caring for one another and recognizing the courage of New Yorkers who helped strangers after the attacks.
Critics of Mamdani’s Attendance
Critics cited concerns about his public positions, associations, and responses to rhetoric they viewed as hostile to shared commemorative values.
- Anniversary
- 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks
- Location
- 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Ground Zero, Lower Manhattan
- Attendees
- Vice President J. D. Vance, four living former presidents, First Ladies, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, officials, first responders, and victims’ families
- Tributes
- Victims’ names were read aloud, and seven moments of silence were observed
- Events commemorated
- The crashes into the North and South Towers and the Pentagon, the towers’ collapse, Flight 93’s passenger counterattack, and later health-related deaths
- Firefighters honored
- More than 300 members of New York City’s fire department were honored for their response
- Dispute
- Some victims’ relatives petitioned against Mamdani’s participation, citing concerns about his public positions, associations, and responses to rhetoric