Post by : Shweta
America Marks 25 Years Since 9/11
The United States has marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, with Americans gathering across the country to remember the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives. Ceremonies were held at the World Trade Center site in New York, the Pentagon in Virginia and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania. Moments of silence, the reading of victims’ names and memorial events brought families, survivors, firefighters and public officials together to honour those who died.
Trump Leads Pentagon Commemoration
President Donald Trump attended the main commemoration at the Pentagon, where he spoke about the lasting impact of the attacks and the national response that followed. He said the United States would never forget the victims and linked the legacy of the post-9/11 war on terror to current US security concerns. Trump also said Iran would never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, connecting the anniversary ceremony with his administration’s present foreign-policy priorities.
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Former US Presidents Gather in New York
At the World Trade Center memorial, all four living former US presidents joined the anniversary observance. George W. Bush, who was president when the attacks occurred, stood alongside Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Former first ladies and other senior figures also attended the ceremony. The gathering reflected the extraordinary historical significance of September 11 and the way the attacks shaped American politics, security policy and international relations for a generation.
A Seventh Bell Recognises Those Who Died Later
The traditional anniversary ceremony included moments of silence marking the times when the four hijacked aircraft crashed and when the Twin Towers collapsed. This year, a seventh bell was also rung to remember thousands of people who later died from illnesses linked to exposure to dust and smoke following the attacks. US health officials say deaths connected to 9/11-related illnesses have now far exceeded the number of people killed on the day itself.
Families Continue to Demand Answers
The anniversary also brought renewed attention to questions that have remained unresolved for some families. Terry Strada, national chairperson of 9/11 Families United, criticised what she described as a lack of accountability over Saudi Arabia's alleged role. Most of the attackers were Saudi nationals and the attacks were planned by al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden. However, Saudi authorities have repeatedly denied involvement, and the 9/11 Commission found no evidence that the Saudi government as an institution or senior Saudi officials individually funded al-Qaeda.
Canada Remembers Gander’s Extraordinary Response
The 25th anniversary also carries particular significance in Canada. In Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, US Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra paid tribute to the community that welcomed thousands of passengers stranded after international flights were diverted following the attacks. About 38 aircraft were redirected to Gander, and local residents provided food, accommodation and support to people who suddenly found themselves far from home during a global crisis.
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