Families Gather at Ground Zero as US Marks 25 Years Since 9/11
Families, survivors and first responders gathered at the World Trade Center memorial to mark 25 years since the 9/11 attacks, with a new bell tribute for those lost to related illnesses.
Families of victims, survivors and first responders gathered at the World Trade Center memorial in New York on Friday to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, as the United States observed a milestone commemoration of the deadliest terrorist strike on its soil.
The anniversary brought the familiar rituals of remembrance — wreath-laying, flag-flying, moments of silence, vigils and the reading of victims' names — alongside volunteer projects. About half of American adults regard the attacks as the most historic event of their lifetime, according to a new poll.
This year's ceremony at Ground Zero included a new element: a seventh toll of the bell after the names of family members are read, honouring those who have died from 9/11-related illnesses and injuries in the years since.
Beth Hillman, president and CEO of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, said the consequences of the attacks continue to unfold, pointing to the health effects of toxic dust on those who rushed to respond or were near the attack sites in Shanksville, at the Pentagon and at the World Trade Center. She described the community that has organised to demand recognition, compensation and health care as an extraordinary story of compassion and courage.
For Sonia Argon, who worked at Ground Zero with the Red Cross during the recovery effort, this year's anniversary felt especially hard. She said the passage of 25 years had not eased the daily toll for those who served there, and that she felt people were beginning to forget what she believes they should not.
Joe Bowerman, a member of England's Kent Fire and Rescue Service, travelled to New York for the fifth time to stand with American first responders and victims' families. He described the global community of first responders as one large family, saying the least he could do was make the trip and show solidarity.
Greg Carafello, who survived the attacks, recalled the sense of shared purpose that followed. He said that for months afterwards, the country pulled in the same direction rather than dividing along party lines, focused on keeping the nation safe, caring for the injured and preventing another attack. He urged people to set politics aside when looking back on the day.