NEW YORK — Americans are observing the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with solemn ceremonies, volunteer efforts, and various tributes to honor the nearly 3,000 victims. Commemorations are taking place in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where many family members of the deceased will join dignitaries and politicians on Thursday.

James Lynch, who lost his father, Robert Lynch, in the World Trade Center attack, shared that he and his family plan to attend a ceremony near their New Jersey hometown before spending the rest of the day at the beach. "It’s one of those things where any kind of grief, I don’t think it ever goes away," Lynch said. He, along with his partner and mother, participated in a charity event in Manhattan the day before the anniversary, preparing meals for those in need. "Finding the joy in that grief, I think, has been a huge part of my growth with this," he added.

This year’s remembrances occur amid heightened political tensions. The anniversary, typically seen as a day of national unity, follows the recent shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah. Authorities have indicated that Kirk's death may lead to increased security measures at the 9/11 ceremony in New York.

At Ground Zero in lower Manhattan, family members will read the names of the victims during a ceremony attended by Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance. Moments of silence will be observed at the exact times when the hijacked planes struck the Twin Towers and when they collapsed.

At the Pentagon, a ceremony will honor the 184 service members and civilians who died when a jetliner was crashed into the military headquarters. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are expected to attend this service before heading to a baseball game in the Bronx later in the evening.

In Shanksville, Pennsylvania, a similar ceremony will take place to honor the victims of Flight 93, which crashed after passengers attempted to regain control from the hijackers. Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins will attend this event.

Across the nation, many are also participating in service projects and charitable activities as part of a national day of service. Volunteers are engaging in food and clothing drives, neighborhood cleanups, and blood donation events.

The September 11 attacks, carried out by al-Qaida militants, resulted in the deaths of 2,977 individuals, including many financial workers, firefighters, and police officers who responded to the crisis. The attacks had a profound impact on U.S. policy, leading to the Global War on Terrorism and military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq, which resulted in significant casualties.

The U.S. government continues to grapple with the legal case against Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the attacks. Arrested in Pakistan in 2003, he has yet to stand trial after being held at Guantánamo Bay.

The anniversary ceremony in New York is being held at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, which features two memorial pools surrounded by waterfalls and inscribed parapets honoring the deceased. Discussions have emerged regarding the federal government potentially taking control of the memorial site, which is currently managed by a public charity.

In the years following the attacks, the U.S. government has allocated billions for healthcare and compensation for those exposed to toxic dust from the collapsed towers. Over 140,000 individuals remain enrolled in monitoring programs to identify health issues linked to hazardous materials.