Trump speaks at Pentagon ceremony, 24 years post-9/11

U.S. leaders marked 24 years since 2977 people were killed when hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center’s twin towers, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pa. on Sept. 11, 2001. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attended a ceremony outside the Pentagon honoring those killed in the Washington, D.C. attack. The Trumps also placed a wreath there in observance of the day. Military officials pronounced each victim's name, followed by a ring of the bell honoring their memory.

Time stood still 24 years ago when nearly 3,000 innocent souls were taken from the world, the president said. He recited the last moments and phone messages of various people killed in the attacks. We’re honoring our promise to never forget, Trump said. Americans take blows but they don't buckle; they bleed, but they don’t bow, he added.

The ceremony also included a performance of “Amazing Grace” from a military choir, and taps being played. The president also released a proclamation Thursday naming Sept. 11, 2025, as Patriot Day and called for the American flag to fly at half-staff to honor the terror attack victims. The president planned to travel to New York City Thursday afternoon to attend a New York Yankees baseball game.

In New York: During a Thursday morning ceremony at ground zero site of the World Trade Center in New York city, family members and loved ones recited the names of victims lost. More than 2,700 people died in the twin tower attacks, including plane passengers, first responders, and tower employees. The program included six separate moments of silence through the morning and afternoon, honoring when each tower was hit, when each tower collapsed, when Flight 93 crashed, and when Flight 77 hit the Pentagon.

Vice President J.D. Vance was slated to attend the ground zero ceremony but cancelled his attendance at the last minute after the Wednesday assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, whom Vance called a close friend. It’s believed he and second lady Usha Vance are traveling to Utah to visit Kirk’s family. Trump opened his statements at the Pentagon by expressing grief over Kirk’s assassination. The president announced that the Turning Point USA founder would posthumously receive the Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award. There’s no doubt that Kirk’s voice and the courage will live on through countless young people, he said.

In Pennsylvania: A ceremony was held in Shanksville at the memorial honoring the 40 passengers and crew killed there. Flight 93 crashed after those onboard overpowered the hijackers to avoid striking another site. The ceremony included a wreath laying, recitation of names, and ringing bells in remembrance. 

Dig deeper: Read Les Sillars’ report in WORLD Magazine on how to view our increasingly violent world alongside scripture.