They were on duty the day airplanes were used to attack America. This is how they remember it 25 years later

Live updates

1. 10d ago

   Americans reflect on 9/11 memories 25 years after attacks

   Americans continue to hold vivid memories of their locations and experiences during the September 11 attacks 25 years later. Ceremonies in New York City, Long Island, Arlington, and Shanksville mark the anniversary of the event. The attacks resulted in 2,996 deaths and caused more than $10 billion in damages. Current commemorations focus on local reflections and the lasting impact of the day on the global community.

   Why it matters

   The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon shifted global security and foreign policy. These anniversaries serve as formal markers of loss and national resilience.

   What is confirmed

   • The September 11 attacks killed 2,996 people.
   • The attacks caused over $10 billion in damage.
   • Commemorative events for the anniversary take place in New York, Arlington, and Shanksville.

   What to watch next

   • Additional accounts from first responders on duty during the attacks
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.centraloregondaily.com — Americans remember exactly where they were on 9/11
   2. en.wikipedia.org — Pearl Harbor advance-knowledge conspiracy theory - Wikipedia
   confidence 100%
2. 15d ago

   25 Years Later, 9/11 Remembrance Continues

   The 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks is marked with ceremonies across Long Island and New York City. Locals reflect on the day that changed the world. The attacks killed 2,996 people and caused over $10 billion in damage. Commemorative events take place in New York, Arlington, and Shanksville.

   Why it matters

   The 9/11 attacks were a coordinated series of suicide attacks by al-Qaeda. They involved 19 attackers hijacking four passenger planes to strike the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The national memory of the event is a concern for observers.

   What is confirmed

   • The 9/11 attacks killed 2,996 people.
   • The 9/11 attacks caused over $10 billion in infrastructure damage.
   • Commemorative events take place in New York, Arlington, and Shanksville.

   What to watch next

   • Further commemorative events in the coming months
   • Reactions from current and former first responders
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.newsday.com — Live updates: Sept. 11 victims remembered 25 years after attacks
   2. ascf.us — Remembering the Other Anniversary - American Security Council ...
   confidence 100%
3. 18d ago

   Twenty-five years pass since the start of Operation Enduring Freedom

   The United States marks a quarter-century since the 2001 coordinated suicide attacks by al-Qaeda, which involved 19 attackers hijacking four passenger planes to strike the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. These attacks killed 2,996 people, including the attackers, and inflicted over $10 billion in infrastructure damage. Commemorative events take place in New York, Arlington, and Shanksville. First responders such as former Marine Jason Thomas recall specific rescue efforts. Concurrently, observers express concern that the national memory of the event is fading.

   Why it matters

   The 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks coincides with reflections on the subsequent military response in the region. President George W. Bush addressed the nation on Oct. 7, 2001, to announce the start of Operation Enduring Freedom, initiating the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan. These dual anniversaries highlight the long-term historical impact of the 2001 attacks on American foreign policy and domestic remembrance.

   What is confirmed

   • Twenty-five years ago, President George W. Bush addressed the nation on Oct. 7, 2001, announcing the start of Operation Enduring Freedom.

   What to watch next

   • Further official commemorative statements or events marking the ongoing 25th-anniversary period.
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.cnn.com — Alexandra Skores - Reporter/Writer | CNN
   2. www.kcbd.com — Looking back at the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan: 25 years later
   confidence 100%
4. 25d ago

   US Marks 25 Years Since September 11 Terrorist Attacks

   The United States is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks with events in New York, Arlington, and Shanksville. The 2001 coordinated suicide attacks by al-Qaeda involved 19 attackers who hijacked four passenger planes to strike the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. These events killed 2,996 people, including the attackers, and caused over $10 billion in infrastructure damage. While first responders like former Marine Jason Thomas recall specific rescue efforts, some observers express concern that the national memory of the event is fading.

   Why it matters

   The attacks lasted less than two hours, beginning at 8:14 am and ending at 10:03 am Eastern Daylight Time. This was the deadliest suicide attack in human history. Global satellite links and the Internet allowed much of the world to witness the events in real time.

   What is confirmed

   • Al-Qaeda perpetrated the September 11 attacks using 19 attackers who hijacked four passenger airplanes.
   • The attacks killed 2,996 people, including the attackers.
   • The hijacks began at approximately 8:14 am and the final plane crashed at 10:03 am Eastern Daylight Time.
   • The attacks targeted the Twin Towers in New York City and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.
   • A fourth hijacked plane crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The attacks caused more than $10 billion in damage to infrastructure.
   • United Airlines Flight 175 resulted in the deaths of more than 600 people in the South Tower's upper levels.

   What to watch next

   • Release of the documentary 9/11: United We Stand -- 25 Years Later
   • Additional first responder testimonies from the 25th anniversary commemorations
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.nbcnews.com — When is October Prime Day 2026? Amazon confirmed dates, plus what members can expect to save on
   2. en.wikipedia.org — United Airlines Flight 175 - Wikipedia
   3. simple.wikipedia.org — September 11 Attacks - Simple English Wikipedia, the free ...
   4. www.justwatch.com — 9/11: United We Stand -- 25 Years Later streaming - JustWatch
   5. en.wikipedia.org — Timeline for the day of the September 11 attacks - Wikipedia
   confidence 95%
5. 27d ago

   Marine Jason Thomas Recalls Ground Zero Rescue on 25th Anniversary

   Jason Thomas, a Marine who rushed to Ground Zero during the September 11 attacks, helped locate two trapped officers. His experiences that day influenced his subsequent career as an Air Force combat medic. This account emerges as the United States marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks that killed 2,977 people, with commemorations held in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. While many survivors and first responders maintain vivid memories, some observers worry the event is fading from the national consciousness.

   Why it matters

   The September 11 attacks caused a permanent change in US security and air travel. These 25th anniversary accounts provide personal perspectives on the immediate aftermath and long-term psychological impact on first responders.

   What is confirmed

   • Jason Thomas helped locate two trapped officers at Ground Zero while wearing his Marine uniform on September 11.
   • Jason Thomas later served as an Air Force combat medic.
   • The September 11 terrorist attacks killed 2,977 people.

   What to watch next

   • Additional first responder testimonies from the 25th anniversary commemorations
   • Official reports on the long-term health of 9/11 first responders
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. dictionary.cambridge.org — THEY | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
   2. lingoharvest.com — How to Use Singular “They” Correctly in Modern English
   3. usdictionary.com — They: Definition, Meaning, and Examples - usdictionary.com
   4. en.wikipedia.org — They - Wikipedia
   5. en.wikipedia.org — They (2002 film) - Wikipedia
   6. en.wiktionary.org — they - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
   7. www.military.com — He Rushed to Ground Zero as a Marine. 25 Years Later, What He Saw Still Shapes His Service
   confidence 100%
6. 29d ago

   US marks 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. Many maintain vivid memories of the events, but some observers fear the tragedy is fading from national memory.

   Why it matters

   The September 11 attacks have had profound and wide-ranging political, economic, health and societal effects. They reshaped global security policies and international relations, prompting lasting changes in how nations address terrorism and collective safety. The attacks elicited major rescue and recovery efforts in the affected areas. Mental health problems, especially post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among ordinary citizens and first responders, also increased as a result of the attacks.

   What is confirmed

   • The September 11 attacks killed 2,977 people.
   • The attacks involved four hijacked airplanes: American Airlines Flight 11, United Airlines Flight 175, American Airlines Flight 77, and United Airlines Flight 93.
   • The attacks prompted a lasting shift in US air travel and security.
   • The aftermath of the attacks saw major rescue and recovery efforts in the affected areas.
   • Mental health problems, especially post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), increased among ordinary citizens and first responders.

   What to watch next

   • Further reflections from people who experienced the 9/11 attacks
   • Anniversary events and ceremonies in the coming days
   • Potential changes to US air travel and security policies
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. www.aol.com — 25 legendary child stars every 1960s kid will remember—and where they are now
   2. ny1.com — New York City marks 25 years since 9/11 attacks
   3. en.wikipedia.org — Aftermath of the September 11 attacks - Wikipedia
   4. en.wikipedia.org — Planning of the September 11 attacks - Wikipedia
   5. www.thetimes.com.au — 80 years on, the attack on Pearl Harbour offers lessons for today
   6. en.wikipedia.org — History of aerial warfare - Wikipedia
   7. journalstar.com — They shared their stories with us on 9/11. Today, they still ...
   8. www.lvpnews.com — Remembering 9-11; 25 years later – Lehigh Valley Press
   9. www.tnonline.com — 9/11 and Pearl Harbor — And the aftermath 25 years later
   10. mediamilwaukee.com — Sept. 11 Generations Apart: What Happens When It's No Longer ...
   11. en.wikipedia.org — Oklahoma City bombing - Wikipedia
   12. www.thedailystar.net — Twenty-five years after September 11, Americans reflect on ...
   confidence 100%
7. 49d ago

   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.
   Sources used for this update (19)

   1. AP News — From the Lockerbie bombing to 9/11: How attacks on flights defined US air travel
   2. CNN — They were on duty the day airplanes were used to attack America. This is how they remember it 25 years later
   3. wbez.org — Chicago-area consultant, along with other experts, raised alarms about sloppy airport security before 9/11
   4. Homeland Security Today — America After 9/11: How Air Travel Changed with former TSA Deputy Administrator Holly Canevari
   5. Yahoo Lifestyle Canada — 25 Years After 9/11: 6 Ways Travel Has Changed From Small Knives To Facial Recognition
   6. Newsday — Airport security changed forever after 9/11. But experts say there's still room for improvement.
   7. Travel Weekly — Travel advisors reflect on 9/11, and what came after
   8. Dallas News — American, United airlines workers reflect on 9/11 terrorist attacks
   9. WMUR — After attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, airport security still evolving
   10. Charlotte Douglas International Airport — The Following Weeks, Months and Years
   11. The Telegraph — The Travel Expert: How 9/11 changed flying forever
   12. www.military.com — Flight 93's Passengers Came Through When a Military Order Arrived Too Late on 9/11
   confidence 90%