9/11 Museum & Memorial, Jin Lee
Today marks 25 years since the September 11, 2001 attacks. A quarter century later, 100 million Americans are too young to remember the day that changed our city and nation forever.
As New Yorkers reflect on unimaginable loss, we also reaffirm our shared promise to never forget. From lower Manhattan to screens across the country, here is how you can join in honoring the victims, first responders, and enduring spirit of resilience today.
Commemoration ceremony on the 9/11 Memorial plaza
9/11 Museum & Memorial, Jin Lee
This morning, families of the victims gather on the 9/11 Memorial plaza for the annual commemoration ceremony. Together, they will read aloud the names of all 2,983 men, women, and children killed in the 2001 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
The ceremony features seven moments of silence:
Four moments marking when each World Trade Center tower was struck and fell.
Two moments corresponding to the attack at the Pentagon and the crash of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.
A seventh moment honoring those lost to 9/11-related health effects.
While the morning name reading is reserved for victims’ families, the public can pay tribute in person when the Memorial plaza reopens in the afternoon. The ceremony will also stream live at 911memorial.org/live.
‘Tribute in Light’ and a star-studded anniversary broadcast
At dusk, the iconic Tribute in Light will illuminate the night sky. The two blue beams reach four miles above lower Manhattan to evoke the memory of the Twin Towers. In tandem, landmarks across the five boroughs will light their facades in blue from dusk to dawn.
To mark the 25th anniversary, Disney Entertainment and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum are partnering for a historic live broadcast special, “9/11 Tribute in Light: Live from Lower Manhattan.”
When to watch: Airs live at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, September 11.
Where to stream: Available on ABC, Disney+, Hulu, National Geographic, ABC News Live, and ABC Owned Television Stations livestreams.
Hosts: ABC News anchors David Muir, Robin Roberts, and Diane Sawyer.
Live performances: Queens native Cyndi Lauper will perform live from the base of the light beams, joining previously announced performers Lainey Wilson and John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting.
For local New Yorkers, WABC-TV will also air a special pre-show, “Paying Tribute: Live from Lower Manhattan,” starting at 7:30 p.m.
Ways to participate in active remembrance
No matter where you are today, you can take part in active remembrance through simple community actions:
Remember the Sky: Take a photo of the sky wherever you are today—inspired by Spencer Finch’s artwork Trying to Remember the Color of the Sky on that September Morning—and post it on social media using #neverforget911 and #rememberthesky.
Digital Remembrance Wall: Leave a personal message, story, or message of support on the museum’s digital Blue Sky Remembrance Wall.
Personal Observances: Observe the moments of silence, organize a local bell tolling, or download the museum’s 25th-anniversary toolkit for community volunteer ideas.
Educational programs and new museum exhibitions
Educating future generations remains central to the anniversary’s legacy. Students and teachers worldwide can register for a free Anniversary Digital Learning Experience, featuring a 35-minute oral history film and real-time live chat with museum staff.
If you are visiting the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in person, several special exhibitions are on view:
9-11 Memorial & Museum
Responding in Ink: Comic Books, Graphic Novels, and 9/11: Illustrating how comic artists processed the tragedy and honored real-world heroes.
In Their Honor: 25 Years of 9/11-Inspired Service: Opening September 12, this major new exhibition explores how individuals transformed grief into decades of charitable service.
Our Flag Was Still There: An installation highlighting the American flag as a symbol of unity and resilience.
The World’s Game: Soccer and 9/11: Examining how the global sports community rallied around New York after 2001 (on view through November 2026).