September 11 Memorial: 25 Years Later, the World Remembers

Today, people across the United States, Canada and around the world pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, one of the darkest days in modern history.

For families who lost loved ones, survivors, firefighters, police officers, paramedics and countless others affected by the attacks, September 11 is more than a date in a history book.

It is a day of remembrance.

Nearly 3,000 people were killed after hijacked aircraft struck the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon near Washington, while another aircraft, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in Pennsylvania.

Twenty-five years later, their names and their stories continue to be remembered.

A Day of Memorial

Today at the National September 11 Memorial in New York City, family members of victims are gathering for the annual commemoration ceremony.

The ceremony includes the reading aloud of the names of those killed in the September 11 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

Seven moments of silence are also being observed, marking significant moments from September 11, including when the aircraft struck the World Trade Center towers, when the towers collapsed, the attack on the Pentagon and the crash of Flight 93.

The first moment of silence is scheduled for 8:46 a.m., the time American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower 25 years ago.

The official commemoration ceremony is also being streamed today for people around the world who cannot attend in person.

Remembering the People Behind the Numbers

September 11 should never be remembered only through statistics.

Behind every number was a person.

A mother.

A father.

A son or daughter.

A friend.

A co-worker.

A firefighter climbing a staircase while others were trying to escape.

A police officer running toward danger.

A paramedic trying to save a stranger.

And ordinary people who helped one another during circumstances few could ever have imagined.

Many survivors and first responders also continue to experience the long-term effects of exposure to toxic dust and debris from the World Trade Center site.

Today's memorial therefore honours not only those who died on September 11 itself, but also those who later died from illnesses and injuries connected to the attacks.

Canada Remembers Too

September 11 is an American tragedy, but its impact crossed borders.

Canadians remember the victims alongside their American neighbours.

On September 11, 2001, when United States airspace was closed, Canada accepted diverted aircraft carrying thousands of passengers.

Canadian communities opened airports, schools, community centres and homes to people who suddenly found themselves stranded far from their destinations.

Places such as Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador became internationally recognized for the kindness shown to strangers during an unprecedented emergency.

That response remains a reminder that even during moments of tremendous fear, compassion can bring people together.

25 Years Later

An entire generation has now grown up with no personal memory of September 11, 2001.

That makes remembrance increasingly important.

The responsibility now passes from those who witnessed the events firsthand to younger generations who will learn about them through families, schools, memorials, photographs and historical records.

Today is not simply about looking back at tragedy.

It is about remembering the people who never returned home.

It is about recognizing the sacrifices of first responders.

It is about supporting survivors and families.

And it is about remembering the extraordinary acts of courage, kindness and humanity that appeared during one of history's darkest moments.

Later today, the Tribute in Light will again illuminate the New York skyline, creating two beams of light representing the fallen World Trade Center towers. A special broadcast marking the 25th anniversary is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

For millions of people, those lights carry a simple message:

We remember.

Twenty-five years have passed.

The memories remain.

The names remain.

And today, the world pauses once again to honour those who were lost.

September 11, 2001 — Never Forgotten.