New York observes solemn 25th anniversary of September 11 attacks

The commemorative event began at 8.40am local time, mirroring the moment when the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Throughout the morning, bereaved family members participated in the reading of victims' names—a solemn tradition that has become central to annual remembrance ceremonies at the site.

The ceremony incorporated bells that rang at significant times during the attacks, serving as poignant reminders of the sequence of events that unfolded on that morning. The tolling marked moments including when the second plane hit the South Tower, when each building collapsed, and when the Pentagon was struck.

The September 11 attacks remain a defining moment in modern history, claiming nearly 3,000 lives across four coordinated hijackings. The attacks prompted major shifts in global security policies, military operations, and international relations that continue to shape geopolitics more than two decades later.

Ground Zero, where the Twin Towers once stood, has been transformed into a memorial and museum dedicated to preserving the memory of those lost. The annual ceremony draws thousands of family members, survivors, first responders, and officials who gather to honor the victims and acknowledge the enduring impact of the tragedy.