They were on duty the day airplanes were used to attack America. This is how they remember it 25 years later
The United States is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, which killed 2,977 people. Ceremonies have been held in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, involving families, survivors, and first responders. The anniversary highlights a lasting shift in US air travel and security, moving from early warnings about sloppy airport protocols to the implementation of facial recognition and restricted knife carry. While many maintain vivid memories of the events, some observers fear the tragedy is fading from national memory.
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- ✓ The September 11 attacks killed 2,977 people.
- ✓ Major anniversary gatherings occurred in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
- ✓ Air travel security evolved to include facial recognition and restrictions on small knives.
What changed
The nation has reached the 25-year milestone since the 2001 attacks.
Live updates
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Americans mark 25th anniversary of 9/11 attacks
The United States is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, which killed 2,977 people. Ceremonies have been held in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, involving families, survivors, and first responders. The anniversary highlights a lasting shift in US air travel and security, moving from early warnings about sloppy airport protocols to the implementation of facial recognition and restricted knife carry. While many maintain vivid memories of the events, some observers fear the tragedy is fading from national memory.
Why it matters
The attacks utilized airplanes as weapons, a scenario flight crews were not trained for. This event reshaped national security and led to the creation of the TSA. It remains a case study in command failure, specifically regarding the delayed military order to shoot down Flight 93.
What is confirmed
- The September 11 attacks killed 2,977 people.
- Major anniversary gatherings occurred in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
- Air travel security evolved to include facial recognition and restrictions on small knives.
Still unconfirmed
- Some observers fear the tragedy is fading from memory.
What to watch next
- Further expert analysis on remaining gaps in airport security improvement.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (19)
- AP News — From the Lockerbie bombing to 9/11: How attacks on flights defined US air travel
- CNN — They were on duty the day airplanes were used to attack America. This is how they remember it 25 years later
- wbez.org — Chicago-area consultant, along with other experts, raised alarms about sloppy airport security before 9/11
- Homeland Security Today — America After 9/11: How Air Travel Changed with former TSA Deputy Administrator Holly Canevari
- Yahoo Lifestyle Canada — 25 Years After 9/11: 6 Ways Travel Has Changed From Small Knives To Facial Recognition
- Newsday — Airport security changed forever after 9/11. But experts say there's still room for improvement.
- Travel Weekly — Travel advisors reflect on 9/11, and what came after
- Dallas News — American, United airlines workers reflect on 9/11 terrorist attacks
- WMUR — After attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, airport security still evolving
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport — The Following Weeks, Months and Years
- The Telegraph — The Travel Expert: How 9/11 changed flying forever
- www.military.com — Flight 93's Passengers Came Through When a Military Order Arrived Too Late on 9/11
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