As the nation marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City is expanding its annual remembrance ceremony. In addition to the six historic moments of silence that mark the exact times of the attacks, a seventh moment will be observed at the conclusion of the reading of victims’ names. This new tribute honors the thousands of first responders, recovery workers, survivors and Lower Manhattan residents who have succumbed to illnesses caused by the toxic dust and debris released after the attacks.
Why a seventh moment?
The original six moments of silence correspond to the times when each World Trade Center tower was struck, when each tower fell, and the moments of the Pentagon strike and the United Flight 93 crash in Pennsylvania. While those moments capture the immediate tragedy, the added seventh silence acknowledges the long‑term health toll. More than 8,000 participants in the World Trade Center Health Program have died, and tens of thousands continue to battle cancers, respiratory diseases and other conditions linked to the 9/11 aftermath.
Voices of the health community
Dr. Kerry Kelly, former chief medical officer for the New York Fire Department, said, “We’ve lost far too many to cancer, respiratory issues and other 9/11‑related illnesses.” She emphasized that the new moment of silence ensures these sacrifices remain a visible part of the nation’s annual remembrance.
Details of the ceremony
The ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on September 11 on the Memorial Plaza. The first moment of silence will occur at 8:46 a.m., marking the time American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower. After the six traditional silences and the reading of victims’ names, the seventh silence will be observed, followed by the ringing of a toll bell.
Access to the Plaza will be limited to family members of victims starting at 7 a.m. The museum will open to the public at 8 a.m., with final entry at 5:30 p.m. and closing at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the museum’s website.
How to participate from afar
For those unable to travel to New York, the Memorial & Museum encourages Americans nationwide to observe their own moments of silence throughout the morning, including the newly added tribute. By pausing at the designated times, citizens can collectively honor both the immediate victims and the ongoing health sacrifices of those who served in the aftermath.
The seventh moment of silence will become a permanent feature of future 9/11 commemorations, reinforcing the message that the impact of the attacks endures and that the nation remains committed to remembering every facet of that tragedy.
Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
