The USA commemorates 25 years since the September 11 attacks

The United States marks 25 years on Friday, September 11, 2026, since the terrorist attacks that killed 2,977 people and profoundly changed international politics and security. The main ceremonies are taking place at Ground Zero in New York, on the site of the former World Trade Center complex.

Four airplanes were hijacked and intentionally crashed in 2001. Two struck the Twin Towers in New York, one crashed into the Pentagon, and the fourth crashed in Pennsylvania. Former presidents Joe Biden, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush are expected to attend the commemoration in New York.

President Donald Trump will not attend the ceremony at Ground Zero and will be represented by Vice President JD Vance. Trump will take part in a moment of silence at the Pentagon. He is the first sitting American president to miss the commemorative ceremony held in New York.

The event is nonpolitical, and politicians are prohibited from delivering remarks. Victims' families read the names of those who died, and several moments of silence are observed. NATO is also holding a ceremony in Brussels, Mons, and Norfolk, with flags flying at half-mast.