Memorial services are taking place across the United States and the United Kingdom on Friday, September 11, as families, political leaders, emergency responders and members of the public gather to mark 25 years since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
A total of 2,977 people were killed in the attacks, which targeted the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon near Washington, while a fourth hijacked aircraft, Flight 93, crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to regain control of the plane.
The anniversary is being marked with ceremonies at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the Flight 93 National Memorial, as well as several commemorations in London.
In the UK, particular attention is being paid to the 67 British citizens who were killed in the attacks.
A day of remembrance across the US and UK
The main remembrance ceremony at the World Trade Center in New York will feature six moments of silence marking key moments of the attacks. The first will correspond to 1.46pm UK time, when the first aircraft struck the North Tower, while the final moment will take place at 3.28pm.
Between the moments of silence, relatives of victims will read the names of those who lost their lives.
US Vice President JD Vance is due to attend the main ceremony in New York.
At the Pentagon, US President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak during a ceremony honouring the 184 people who died when Flight 77 struck the building.
The annual ceremony at the Flight 93 memorial in Pennsylvania will also include the reading of the names of the passengers and crew members who died, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.
The commemorations extend beyond the United States, with services and tributes taking place in London throughout the day.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) also marked the anniversary in a LinkedIn post, paying tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
“After 25 years, our memories of the 9/11 terrorist attacks have not faded. We honor and remember those who lost their lives that day,” IATA said.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to aviation safety and security, describing the issue as its “top priority”.
“Aviation is a force for good, fulfilling the fundamental need for people to connect,” IATA said. “Air travel will continue to bring together loved ones, strengthen ties between countries, and link economies.”
Commemorations are also taking place in London, including services remembering the 67 Britons who were killed in the attacks. A further ceremony is scheduled to take place at the US Embassy later in the day.
The key timings of the 25th anniversary of 9/11
According to Sky News, the main events taking place today are scheduled at the following UK times:
9.30am – Wreath laying in London
One of the first events of the day is a wreath-laying ceremony in London by US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens, who will also deliver brief remarks.
11am – UK memorial service
Further memorial services will take place in London to remember the September 11 attacks and the 67 British citizens who were killed.
1.30pm – World Trade Center remembrance ceremony
Vice President JD Vance will attend the main remembrance ceremony in New York. Six moments of silence will mark key points during the attacks, from the first at 1.46pm to the final one at 3.28pm. Families of victims will read out the names of those killed between the moments of silence.
1.46pm – Congressional moment of silence
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries traditionally lead a moment of silence at the time the first aircraft struck the North Tower.
2pm – Trump to speak at Pentagon
US President Donald Trump will speak at a ceremony at the Pentagon honouring the 184 people who died when Flight 77 crashed into the building.
2.45pm – Flight 93 memorial
During the annual ceremony, the names of the passengers and crew members aboard Flight 93 will be read out, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.
4.30pm – Ceremony at US Embassy
A further commemoration will take place at the US Embassy in London, where Washington’s ambassador will host remarks and readings.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla remember the victims
King Charles III and Queen Camilla have also recently commemorated the victims of the attacks during a state visit to the United States.
The royal couple laid flowers at the South Tower Memorial Pool in New York.
In a handwritten message, they wrote: “We honour the memory for those who so tragically lost their lives on 11th September 2001.”
They added: “We stand in enduring solidarity with the American people and in the face of their profound loss.”
London remembers the 67 British victims
Westminster City Council also marked the 25th anniversary in a post published on X, remembering those killed in the attacks as well as the emergency responders who responded to the unfolding events.
The council highlighted the Memorial Garden in Grosvenor Square, which commemorates the 67 British citizens who died.
“Today marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. As we reflect on this anniversary, we remember those who lost their lives in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania, the courage of the emergency responders, and the families whose lives were changed forever,” Westminster City Council said.
The council also recalled the story of Kevin Dennis, whose name is included on the memorial. Dennis lived in St John’s Wood before moving to New York and was working at the World Trade Center when the attacks took place.
“The Memorial Garden in Grosvenor Square remembers the 67 British citizens who never came home,” the council added.
Metropolitan Police pays tribute to victims and survivors
The Metropolitan Police also issued a tribute marking the anniversary, honouring those who died, survivors, their families and loved ones, as well as the emergency responders who took part in the response to the attacks.
The Met said its Commissioner had laid a wreath at the National September 11 Memorial in New York earlier this year on behalf of the force.
“Time passes, but we will #NeverForget,” the Metropolitan Police said.
Sadiq Khan: “Today London stands with the people of New York City”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan also marked the 25th anniversary in a post on X.
Khan remembered the thousands of people who were killed in the attacks, including the 67 British citizens.
“Today London stands with the people of New York City,” Khan said.
“Those who sought to destroy our way of life have not won, and never will.”
US ambassador lays wreath in Grosvenor Square
US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens also took part in London’s commemorations, laying a wreath at the 9/11 Memorial Garden in Grosvenor Square.
According to a post published on X by Sky News, Stephens was accompanied by his wife as he placed the tribute at the site of the former US Embassy.
The ceremony formed part of London’s wider programme of commemorations marking 25 years since the September 11 attacks and remembering the British and American victims whose lives were lost that day.
