NEW YORK — The United States observed the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on Thursday. Ceremonies took place in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The events included moments of silence, the tolling of bells, and the reading of names of the nearly 3,000 victims.

At Ground Zero in Manhattan, Jennifer Nilsen attended the commemoration wearing a T-shirt with her late husband Troy Nilsen's image. "Even 24 years later, it’s heart wrenching. It feels the same way every year," she said. Michelle Pizzo, who lost her husband Jason DeFazio in the attacks, expressed a desire for more people to take a moment to remember. "Younger kids don’t realize that you have to remember," she noted.

This year's remembrances occurred amid heightened political tensions. The anniversary, typically seen as a day of national unity, followed the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah. Security measures were increased at the World Trade Center site in response to the incident. FBI Director Kash Patel was present at the ceremony, while Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, opted to visit Kirk’s family in Salt Lake City instead.

During the ceremony, many attendees held photos of their lost loved ones. A moment of silence marked the exact time when the first hijacked plane struck the Twin Towers. Family members read the names of victims, sharing memories and updates about their lives. Zoe Doyle, daughter of Frank Joseph Doyle, shared that her family established a nonprofit in his honor, which has built 16 schools in South Africa and supports thousands of children.

Melissa Pullis, whose husband Edward died in the attacks, reflected on the challenges of this year, as two of their three children are getting married. "You can’t walk your princess down the aisle," she said tearfully. "You are missed every day. We will always say your name, and we will always fight for justice."

At the Pentagon, a ceremony honored the 184 service members and civilians killed when a hijacked plane struck the military headquarters. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attended the event. Trump recounted moments from that tragic day, stating, "Today, as one nation, we renew our sacred vow that we will never forget Sept. 11, 2001." He also announced that Kirk would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously, calling him a "giant of his generation" and a "champion of liberty."

In Shanksville, Pennsylvania, a similar ceremony took place, honoring the victims of Flight 93, which crashed after passengers attempted to regain control from the hijackers. Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins was among the attendees.

Across the nation, many participated in service projects and charitable activities as part of a national day of service. Volunteers engaged 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 people, including many first responders. 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 loss of life.

The U.S. government continues to grapple with the legal case against Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the attacks, who has yet to stand trial since his capture in 2003. The anniversary ceremony in New York was held at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, where two reflecting pools now occupy the sites of the former Twin Towers. The federal government has considered taking control of the memorial and museum, which are currently managed by a public charity.

In the years following the attacks, the U.S. has invested billions in healthcare and compensation for those affected by the toxic dust from the collapse of the towers.