Bennington
Local Region Reflects on 25th Anniversary of 9/11
Federal, state and local officials joined thousands of family members in lower Manhattan Friday to honor the victims of 9/11 and celebrate those who responded, 25 years after the terrorist attack that shocked the world and changed how Americans view…
About 25th Anniversary of 9/11
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Key points
- Thousands gathered in Manhattan to mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
- The ceremony honored nearly 3,000 victims alongside first responders facing long-term illnesses.
- Educators and families emphasized teaching the history of 2001 to younger generations born after the tragedy.
NewsWK — Across Bennington County and nearby communities in Vermont and New York, families observed a quiet Friday morning. Twenty-five years have passed since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks reshaped the country. But the grief and unity of that day still echo deeply across our area.
Why it matters
Residents across southwestern Vermont, eastern New York, and the Berkshires maintain close ties to the tragedy. For instance, many local families lost friends or colleagues in the twin towers. In addition, local volunteer firefighters and medical personnel rushed south to help during the aftermath.
Furthermore, the milestone highlights persistent health challenges confronting rescue crews. Therefore, it calls on local schools to pass these memories to younger generations.
What Took Place at the 9/11 Anniversary Ceremony?
The official 9/11 anniversary ceremony brought thousands together in lower Manhattan to read the victims’ names. Family members paused for seven separate moments of silence throughout the morning. Consequently, the gathering honored those killed in the strikes. It also remembered responders who died later from toxic exposure.
The ceremony began under overcast skies with a performance by the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. Then, cellist Yo-Yo Ma performed music alongside the spoken roll call of victims.
Loved ones took turns reading the names of those who died at the World Trade Center. They also read names from the Pentagon and the Shanksville, Pennsylvania crash site. Furthermore, readers included six victims of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
During the morning, the ceremony marked seven specific moments of silence. For example, bells tolled when each plane struck and when each tower fell. Finally, a concluding minute honored responders who succumbed to illnesses over the past 25 years.
How Did Families Honor Victims and Responders at the 9/11 Memorial Plaza?
Families gathered at the 9/11 Memorial Plaza beneath clearing skies to remember lost loved ones. Visitors honored these victims and responders with roses and photographs. In addition, children who never met fallen relatives read names aloud at the podium. Meanwhile, survivor displays and memorial ribbons underscored ongoing health battles faced by recovery teams.
Mourners walked the plaza holding framed portraits and wearing commemorative shirts. In addition, some survivors spoke about the intense labor of clearing debris from Ground Zero. For example, survivor Germano Riviera volunteered for seven months searching through the wreckage.
“Something I can never forget is the stench,” Riviera said.
Similarly, other family members carried memorials for rescue workers who died years later from cancer. Freyda Markow wore a sash displaying cards for deceased rescue personnel.
“Our responders deserve better,” Markow said. Specifically, she emphasized that government leaders promised emergency crews enduring support.
Overall, the morning ceremonies commemorated key milestones and sacrifices from that period:
- Almost 3,000 victims who died in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
- More than 700 residents lost from neighboring New Jersey.
- Six people killed during the 1993 World Trade Center attack.
- Seven moments of silence observed to mark each strike and building collapse.
Who Attended the September 11 Commemoration?
The September 11 commemoration drew high-ranking leaders from both political parties alongside thousands of citizen mourners. For example, Vice President JD Vance joined former presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. In addition, nearby governors and city leaders stood in solemn remembrance across the plaza.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill attended the Manhattan gathering. Also present were former First Lady Michelle Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump traveled to Virginia to attend a separate ceremony at the Pentagon.
At the same time, heavy security personnel guarded the Manhattan memorial site and major regional transit hubs. In fact, armed officers monitored train stations, bridges, and tunnels throughout the metropolitan region.
How Are Communities Educating Younger Generations?
Museums and educators now teach the history of the attacks to roughly 100 million Americans born since 2001. For instance, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum distributed digital educational toolkits to schools nationwide. Consequently, classrooms across Vermont and neighboring border towns use these resources to help young students.
Notably, many of the readers at the podium were young people born after the attacks. Yet they spoke passionately about grandparents and relatives whom they never met.
Furthermore, a White House statement emphasized the importance of passing these stories forward. It urged every school and community to renew the national vow to never forget. As a result, that promise remains vibrant across our regional towns each September.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Sources
Related: 25th Anniversary of Sept 11 Attacks Brings Solemn Tributes
Related: Bennington 250 Announces ‘250 for 250’ Year-End Gala to Support Anniversary Celebrations
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