September 11, 2001 -- A Day the World Will Never Forget
On September 11, 2026, the United States will mark the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. A quarter of a century has passed, yet for millions of Americans who witnessed that day, the memories remain vivid. For younger generations who were not yet born or were too young to remember, the anniversary carries another responsibility: to tell the story, honor those who were lost, and preserve the lessons of a day that forever changed America.
A Morning America Will Never Forget
Tuesday, September 11, 2001, began as an ordinary late-summer morning. Within hours, it became one of the darkest days in American history.
Nineteen al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes. At 8:46 a.m., American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower shortly afterward. American Airlines Flight 77 was flown into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, while United Airlines Flight 93 crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew members fought back against the hijackers. Nearly 3,000 innocent people were killed, and thousands more were injured.
The images of that morning—the burning Twin Towers, smoke rising from the Pentagon, frightened people running through the streets and first responders rushing toward danger—became permanently etched into America's collective memory.
Courage in the Face of Tragedy
Amid the devastation were extraordinary acts of courage.
Firefighters, police officers, paramedics and other emergency personnel entered the World Trade Center knowing the tremendous danger they faced. More than 400 first responders were among those killed on September 11. On Flight 93, passengers and crew members, knowing what had happened to the other aircraft, attempted to regain control of their plane. Their actions prevented the hijackers from reaching their intended destination.
There were also countless acts of kindness from ordinary Americans. People donated blood, provided food and supplies, opened their homes, comforted strangers and volunteered wherever they were needed.
In the days following the attacks, Americans displayed an extraordinary sense of unity. American flags appeared on homes, businesses and vehicles across the country. Communities gathered for candlelight vigils and prayer services. Political differences seemed less important as Americans stood together in grief, determination and patriotism.
The Sacrifice Did Not End That Day
The human cost of September 11 continued long after the attacks.
Thousands of first responders, rescue and recovery workers, survivors and residents of lower Manhattan were exposed to hazardous conditions at Ground Zero. In the years since, many have developed serious illnesses connected to that exposure, and thousands have died from 9/11-related health effects. In recognition of their sacrifice, the 25th anniversary commemoration will include a seventh moment of silence dedicated to those who have died from illnesses and injuries related to September 11 and its aftermath.
Their stories remind us that the legacy of September 11 extends far beyond a single day.
Teaching a New Generation
Twenty-five years is an important milestone because an increasing number of Americans have no personal memory of September 11. According to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, approximately 100 million Americans are now too young to remember the attacks.
That makes education and remembrance increasingly important.
Young Americans may see September 11 as history in much the same way previous generations learned about Pearl Harbor or other defining events. Those who remember 9/11 therefore carry a responsibility to share what happened—not only the horror of the attacks, but also the courage, compassion, sacrifice and unity that followed.
At the National September 11 Memorial in New York City, family members will once again gather on September 11, 2026, to read aloud the names of those who were killed. Moments of silence will mark significant times from that morning, beginning with the moment the North Tower was struck at 8:46 a.m.
Never Forget
The words “Never Forget” have become inseparable from September 11. After 25 years, they mean more than remembering where we were when the attacks occurred.
They mean remembering the innocent people who went to work, boarded airplanes or began an ordinary day and never returned home. They mean honoring firefighters, police officers, emergency workers and civilians who demonstrated extraordinary bravery. They mean remembering the families who have carried the loss of loved ones for a quarter of a century.
They also mean remembering what Americans showed one another afterward: compassion, generosity, courage, service and unity.
On this 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, flags will once again fly, bells will toll, names will be read and Americans will pause to remember.
Twenty-five years have passed. Generations are changing. But our responsibility remains the same.
We remember those we lost.
We honor those who served.
We teach those who came after us.
And we will never forget.
25th Anniversary resources from the National September 11 Memorial & Museum
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