Washington, D.C. – In a shift from past practice, President Donald Trump announced that he will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks at the Pentagon rather than traveling to the World Trade Center memorial in New York City. Vice President JD Vance is slated to attend the Ground Zero ceremony on the President’s behalf.
Details of the Pentagon ceremony
The Pentagon event will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 11, with the first moment of silence observed at 8:46 a.m., the exact time the first plane struck the World Trade Center. The program will include seven moments of silence, each marking a key tragedy of that day – the attacks themselves, the collapse of the towers, the crash of Flight 93, and the ongoing suffering of families whose loved ones died from 9/11‑related illnesses.
Family members are expected to read the names of the nearly 3,000 victims of the attacks, as well as those who perished in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. The ceremony will be solemn and will not feature political speeches, mirroring the tradition of the annual memorial service at the World Trade Center.
Vice President Vance at Ground Zero
Vice President JD Vance will travel to New York City to stand with survivors, first‑responders, and the families of the fallen at the Ground Zero ceremony. His presence ensures that the administration remains represented at the nation’s most visible tribute to the victims, even as the President focuses on the Pentagon, a site that also bears the scars of the attacks.
President Trump’s past commemorations
President Trump attended the Ground Zero ceremony in 2024 and, during his first term, participated in 9/11 commemorations at both the Pentagon and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania. This year’s decision reflects a desire to honor the memory of the fallen at the very location where the nation’s defense leadership first responded to the crisis.
While the change in plans was not immediately explained, officials suggest the President’s schedule and the symbolic importance of the Pentagon influenced the decision. The administration has emphasized that the focus remains on remembering the victims and reinforcing the nation’s resolve to protect its citizens.
What the anniversary means for the nation
The 25th anniversary serves as a reminder of the resilience of American families, the bravery of first responders, and the enduring commitment to liberty and security. Across the country, schools, churches, and community groups will hold their own moments of reflection, underscoring the shared grief and gratitude that unite the nation.
As the nation prepares for the solemn observances, the President’s choice to speak at the Pentagon highlights the continued relevance of the military’s role in defending the homeland, while Vice President Vance’s attendance at Ground Zero ensures that the heart of the nation’s remembrance remains in New York.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
