LOWER MANHATTAN (PIX11) — The impacts of the 9/11 terror attacks remain, as 150,000 people are currently enrolled in the World Trade Center health monitoring program.
Officials say that in addition to the thousands who lost their lives that day, others passed away after the attacks due to illnesses contracted from toxic exposure. 50,000 individuals continue to live with cancer.
The horror of September 11th unfolded in minutes. Four planes were hijacked in Boston, New York, and D.C., with the first striking the North Tower at 8:46 a.m.
In less than two hours, New York’s skyline changed forever. The Twin Towers were gone; 189 people onboard flight 93 from Newark and workers in the Pentagon were killed.
The field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, was scarred by the plane’s wreckage after 40 passengers thwarted the terrorists’ plans after being alerted on their phones to the other hijackings.
Investigators now believe that the plane was headed for the Capitol building before passengers fought back.
By 10:28 a.m., all planes were down, and both towers had collapsed, taking the lives of passengers and the first responders rushing to save victims.
The FDNY was decimated that day, losing 343 members, and thousands of American service members died in a decades-long war on terror that followed.
But many more were valiantly inspired to join America’s armed forces to become firefighters and police officers to honor the memory of family members lost.
More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State
On the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, a commemoration ceremony in Manhattan will take place on Friday morning with family members will read the names of loved ones who perished. There will also be moments of silence and bell ringing.
This year, a seventh bell will ring to recognize all who have perished from illnesses contracted due to exposure on that day.
President Trump is choosing to be at the Pentagon Friday to mark the commemoration of this anniversary.
Vice President JD Vance is expected to observe in New York City.
All the other former living presidents will be in attendance at Friday’s ceremony.