United States marks 25 years since devastating 9/11 attacks

Today marks a quarter-century since the coordinated terrorist attacks that struck the United States on September 11, 2001, fundamentally altering the nation's security landscape and global geopolitics. The day is officially recognised as Patriot Day in America, serving as a solemn reminder of one of the deadliest attacks on civilian populations in modern history.

Memorial ceremonies are taking place nationwide to commemorate those who perished when hijacked commercial aircraft were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and another crashed in Pennsylvania. The attacks claimed nearly 3,000 lives and injured thousands more, leaving an indelible mark on American society and international relations.

The 25th anniversary comes as communities across the United States gather for remembrance events, from moment-of-silence vigils to formal ceremonies. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York continues to serve as the primary site for commemoration, with the names of all victims inscribed around two reflecting pools at the site where the Twin Towers once stood.

The legacy of 9/11 extends far beyond American borders, having influenced global counter-terrorism strategies, security protocols at airports and public institutions worldwide, and ongoing military operations in multiple regions. For many Sri Lankans, particularly those with family or business connections in the United States, the anniversary serves as a moment of reflection on the broader impacts of terrorism and international security.