U.S. marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks

Twenty-five years have passed since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when al-Qaida extremists hijacked four commercial planes and crashed them into iconic U.S. landmarks, leaving nearly 3,000 dead and a trail of aftermath stretching far and wide. Americans are marking the anniversary with memorial rituals and volunteer projects, as many can still recall this historic day as the most significant event of their lifetime.

For some, like Police Officer Casey Kloepfer, the anniversary is a reminder of his father's legacy. Officer Kloepfer lost his father on 9/11, and now takes his father's role as a police officer seriously, honoring his father's dedication to helping others. Officer Kloepfer, who joined the NYPD this past June, plans to wear his father's badge number and even joined the department's lacrosse team.

President Donald Trump, who was in New York on 9/11 and often shares his memories, plans to attend the Pentagon's ceremony for the anniversary. Vice President Kamala Harris is also expected at the National Sept. 11 Memorial in New York, along with other administration officials.

Since the attacks, the U.S. has seen changes in air travel, new federal surveillance and intelligence-gathering powers, banking regulations, and ongoing debates about the balance between security and freedom. The Department of Homeland Security and many state anti-terrorism laws have been created in the aftermath. The culture of individual vigilance, embodied by the slogan "if you see something, say something," has also emerged.

At the New York commemoration, there will be a silent moment for the first time, honoring those who were exposed to toxic dust released by the twin towers' collapse and have since died from related illnesses. This new tribute marks the long-lasting impact of the attacks on the health and well-being of Americans.

While the anniversary is not a federal holiday, it is designated as Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Some politicians, such as former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, have criticized Muslim American Mayor Zohran Mamdani for attending the ceremony, citing past remarks made by some of Mamdani's political associates. However, Mamdani maintains that he loves the city and country and wants the anniversary to focus on victims' families, first responders, and New Yorkers who helped one another after the horrific act of terror.