25 years after 9/11 attacks, America reflects and remembers

As America commemorates the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the nation reflects on the profound impact the tragedy had on the country. CBS News will provide live coverage of memorial events held at the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

President Trump and Vice President JD Vance will attend the ceremony at the World Trade Center, along with four former U.S. presidents, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, and numerous prominent leaders. The memorial service, set to begin at 8:40 a.m. ET, includes seven moments of silence and a wreath-laying ceremony at 10:25 a.m. ET.

The New York City Police Department is preparing for a massive security deployment throughout the area, with uniformed officers, members of the Counterterrorism Bureau, heavy weapons teams, and counter-drone teams present. Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged New Yorkers not to drive downtown in Manhattan, citing significant traffic and pedestrian restrictions.

This year's memorial service marks the first as mayor of New York City for Zohran Mamdani, who views it as an enormous responsibility during a somber time. He emphasized that the day should focus on remembrance, not politics, and highlighted the significance of the site as a sacred space for remembering the 2,977 victims who lost their lives.

The Tribute in Light, a nightly projection of beams of light forming the outline of the Twin Towers, returned this week to mark the 25th anniversary. As CBS News anchors Tony Dokoupil and Lesley Stahl lead primetime specials, they will share stories of survival, loss, and hope, including the experiences of families who lost loved ones and those who were directly affected by the tragedy.