Twenty-five years after the devastating September 11, 2001, terror attacks, Americans are gathering for annual remembrance ceremonies at the sites of tragedy: the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The ceremonies on Friday, September 11, 2026, honor the 2,977 lives lost that day and acknowledge the thousands more who have succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses in the intervening years.

This somber anniversary serves as a moment for national reflection on the profound impact of the attacks, which reshaped global security policies and left an indelible mark on the American psyche. The events of 9/11 led to significant shifts in international relations, domestic security measures, and the lives of countless individuals and families.

In Shanksville, Pennsylvania, hundreds gathered at the Flight 93 National Memorial to honor the 40 passengers and crew who died when United Flight 93 crashed. Family members read the names of the victims aloud, accompanied by the tolling of bells, as a U.S. flag was ceremonially folded and placed near the rock marking the final resting place of debris from the aircraft. At the National September 11 Memorial in New York City, victims' families and first responders are participating in remembrance events, including the reading of names of those lost.

Victims' families continue to call for accountability, with some urging political leaders to address the role of Saudi Arabia in the attacks. The long-term health consequences of the attacks remain a significant concern, with an estimated 9,000 individuals having died from 9/11-related illnesses over the past quarter-century, highlighting the enduring legacy of the tragedy.

Patricia Smith, whose mother, NYPD officer Moira Smith, was killed responding to the World Trade Center, shared her profound grief and pride. She described her mother as having died as she lived, "surrounded by people she wanted to help, doing the job that she loved." Smith expressed her enduring love and gratitude for her mother's example of courage.

ABC News is providing extensive coverage of the anniversary, including a live multiplatform special titled "9/11 Tribute in Light: Live from Lower Manhattan." The program is scheduled to premiere Friday, September 11, at 8:00 p.m. EDT across multiple ABC platforms, including ABC, Disney+, Hulu, National Geographic, and ABC News Live.

As the nation pauses, the ceremonies underscore the resilience of those affected by the attacks and the enduring commitment to remembering those who were lost. The ongoing toll of 9/11-related illnesses also serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact of the events.

Unresolved questions and ongoing calls for justice continue to be part of the narrative surrounding the 9/11 anniversary, reflecting the complex and enduring legacy of the attacks.