NEW YORK CITY—In a poignant gathering at a memorial plaza in lower Manhattan, firefighters, grieving families, dignitaries, and numerous attendees from the public came together to honor the lives lost in the terrorism that struck the World Trade Center 24 years ago.
The ceremonies marking the 24th anniversary commenced at 8:30 a.m. with a stirring rendition of the national anthem, performed by the New York City Fire Department Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, and a marching procession of police officers proudly bearing the Stars and Stripes.
As the hours unfolded, family members of the nearly 3,000 victims read the names of their beloved—husbands, sisters, fathers, and uncles—accompanying each name with heartfelt messages that echoed their enduring grief.
Six solemn moments of silence punctuated the event, each marked by the somber tolling of the Bell of Remembrance. Each silence aligned with key times from that fateful day in 2001: the North Tower’s impact at 8:46 a.m., the South Tower’s at 9:03, the Pentagon strike at 9:37, the South Tower’s collapse at 9:59, Flight 93’s crash in Shanksville at 10:03, and finally, the fall of the North Tower at 10:28.
These moments encapsulated the gravity of the day, drawing thousands to bow their heads, clasp hands, or perform salutes in collective remembrance.
To conclude the ceremony, three buglers played taps, encapsulating an air of respect and finality. Among the many who attended were notable political representatives including FBI Director Kash Patel, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams, alongside former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who, despite recent recovery from a car accident, marked his presence.
Those present remarked on the striking similarity of the day’s weather to that grim September day in 2001. Matthew Russo, a firefighter from the Bronx, noted that the clear, sunny conditions often trigger memories of past anniversaries. “This day is a family gathering to honor those who have fallen,” he shared, reflecting on the camaraderie fostered through shared grief and respect.
Recounting his experiences in the aftermath of the attack, Russo elaborated on his efforts in cleanup work, emphasizing the collective determination of responders to recover every piece of debris—whether human remains or personal belongings. “It was rewarding to be part of something greater, to serve and remember those who suffered,” he noted.
Traveling from Springfield, Missouri, Robert Quick expressed a lifelong desire to visit the memorial as an act of respect. He conveyed a hopeful message amidst sorrow, reminding us, “While we hear of evil daily, there’s still a wealth of goodness in the world.” This sentiment rang true on a day dedicated to remembrance.
Evan Sydney, a former New York resident and volunteer firefighter from that time, shared his memories of the chaotic atmosphere filled with the sounds of circling F-16s and the eerie gray “snow” of debris settling in the streets. “It was an extraordinarily beautiful day overshadowed by a profound sadness,” he reflected, summing up the paradox of that moment in history.
Correction: An earlier version of this article inaccurately reported the date of former Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s car accident. The Epoch Times regrets this error.
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