U.S. marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 with ceremonies in Washington and New York
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
President Trump used the Pentagon memorial to push a narrative of endless vigilance and scapegoating, while New York officials focused on remembering the victims and the ongoing struggles of first responders.
Washington — On the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, U.S. officials gathered at the Pentagon and in New York to honor the nearly 3,000 victims. President Donald Trump delivered remarks at the Pentagon, invoking the tragedy of Flight 77 and the Pentagon attack, but quickly shifted focus to stoking fears about external threats, singling out Iran and perpetuating the cycle of militarization by labeling it a sponsor of terrorism. > "We will never, ever forget," he said, using the flag as a symbol of 'justice and freedom,' while ignoring the complex global realities and the consequences of U.S. foreign policy.
In New York, the annual ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial featured the reading of all the victims' names and remarks from former officials. Former Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the unchanging responsibility to remember, while former President Bill Clinton highlighted the ongoing health impacts on first responders—many of whom still lack adequate support due to government inaction. Clinton called for mutual respect, a message often drowned out by divisive rhetoric. Former National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice recalled the “out-of-the-blue” nature of the attacks but failed to acknowledge the broader context of U.S. actions abroad.
The day also included reflections from survivors and families, as well as a moment of silence marked by the traditional “Way of Light” at the Oculus, though clouds obscured the beams of sunlight that usually illuminate the memorial at 10:28 a.m.
The commemorations underscored a continued commitment to remember the attacks, but also highlighted the need for real accountability, support for victims, and a re-examination of policies that have led to endless wars and ongoing security concerns.