In New York, the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks is being marked with unprecedented security measures. As reported by the Dutch broadcaster NOS, the traditional ceremony will take place at Ground Zero — the site where the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center once stood. A memorial complex, the 9/11 Memorial, is now located there. On the morning of September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four passenger planes. Two of them crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York, the third into the Pentagon, and the fourth crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to regain control. As a result of the attacks, nearly 3000 people lost their lives. ### The Names of the Fallen Will Be Read Again at Ground Zero Traditionally, the central focus of the ceremony is on the relatives of the victims. They will read the names of those who died as a result of the attacks. Former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden, as well as current Vice President J.D. Vance, are expected to attend. However, the 25th anniversary is taking place under significantly stricter security measures than previous memorial events. According to NOS, the New York Police Department, federal agents, and other law enforcement agencies will be present in increased numbers throughout the city. Residents have been warned about the large number of uniformed personnel, counter-terrorism units, heavily armed police, and special drone counteraction teams. Severe traffic restrictions are being implemented in the vicinity of Ground Zero. Only invited guests who must pass through security checks will be able to attend the official ceremony. ### Additional Concerns Due to the Jewish New Year New York Mayor Zohra Mamdani explained the heightened security measures by two factors. The first is the special significance of the 25th anniversary of the largest terrorist attack in U.S. history. The second is the coincidence of the memorial date with the start of the Jewish New Year. Amid rising anti-Semitic incidents, authorities intend to provide additional protection for the city’s Jewish community. At the same time, Mamdani has found himself at the center of a political controversy surrounding the ceremony. In recent weeks, a petition has circulated demanding that the mayor not attend the event. Its authors question some of Mamdani's political views and point to alleged anti-American sentiments in his circle. Former New York Mayor and Donald Trump ally Rudy Giuliani, who led the city during the 2001 attacks, stated that he would find Mamdani's presence at the ceremony offensive. The mayor responded that as an American and a New Yorker, he intends to participate in the memorial events. ### Trump Chose the Pentagon According to NOS, U.S. President Donald Trump will not attend the ceremony in New York. The New York Times previously reported that the president declined to attend after organizers did not provide him with an opportunity to give a speech. Political speeches at the Ground Zero ceremony have not been held for over ten years — organizers strive to maintain its non-political nature. Trump disputes this version. Instead of New York, he has decided to participate in a memorial ceremony at the Pentagon, where his speech is planned. Vice President Vance will represent the administration in New York. ### Remembering 343 Fallen Firefighters Memorial events will also take place in other areas of New York City. The memory of emergency service personnel traditionally holds a special place. Some firehouses will open their doors to visitors. They will remember the 343 New York firefighters who died on September 11, 2001, during the rescue operation at the World Trade Center. An unusual part of the program will be a series of baseball games between the New York Yankees and the New York Mets. The two New York MLB teams will play three consecutive games at Yankee Stadium in memory of the victims of the attacks. A quarter of a century later, September 11 remains primarily a day of remembrance for nearly three thousand victims for New York. However, the anniversary ceremony takes place against a backdrop of much more tense political and social conditions: unprecedented security measures and disputes surrounding the participants of the ceremony noticeably distinguish the 25th anniversary from previous years. Nevertheless, the main tradition remains unchanged — the names of those who perished on September 11, 2001, will once again be read at Ground Zero.
