NEW YORK (AP) — Twenty-five years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks changed America forever, families, first responders and communities across the country paused Friday to remember those who never came home.
From New York City to the Pentagon and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, ceremonies marked a quarter-century since al-Qaida terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes on Sept. 11, 2001. Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and aboard Flight 93.
The anniversary was observed with moments of silence, prayer, wreath-laying ceremonies, American flags and the reading of victims' names. Across the country, others chose to honor the day through acts of service.
A Mother's Last Phone Call
For many families, 25 years have passed, but the memories remain deeply personal.
At the National September 11 Memorial in New York, Elsie Caldwell carried a photograph of her son, Kenny Caldwell, as she gathered to hear his name read alongside thousands of others.
She remembers their final conversation on the morning of the attacks.
“Mom, I just want to let you know that I love you,” she recalled her son telling her.
His remains have never been recovered.
Other children who lost parents on 9/11 are now adults, carrying memories of mothers and fathers they barely had the opportunity to know.
Kiersten Haub was just 16 months old when her father, firefighter Michael Helmut Haub, was killed at the World Trade Center.
“I carry you through every milestone,” she said during Friday's remembrance.
Remembering Sacrifice
President Donald Trump attended the anniversary observance at the Pentagon, where 184 people were killed when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the building.
Former Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, along with Vice President JD Vance, were among those attending the commemoration in New York.
But as it has for years, the focus at Ground Zero remained largely on the victims and their families.
Names were read one by one.
Families shared memories.
First responders were honored.
And Americans once again remembered the ordinary people who responded to an extraordinary moment with courage.
This year's observance also included a special remembrance of those who became sick or died after exposure to the toxic dust and debris that covered Lower Manhattan following the collapse of the Twin Towers.
For thousands of survivors, first responders and recovery workers, the health effects of 9/11 continued long after the smoke cleared.
The Legacy of 9/11
The attacks changed nearly every corner of American life.
Airport security was transformed. The Department of Homeland Security was created. The United States entered wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and new debates emerged over national security, surveillance and civil liberties.
A generation of Americans was also inspired to serve.
Some joined the military. Others became firefighters, police officers or emergency responders.
Casey Kloepfer was only 4 years old when his father, New York police Officer Ronald Kloepfer, was killed at the World Trade Center.
This year, Casey became a police officer himself, carrying his father's badge number.
He said following in his father's footsteps is something he takes seriously as he continues to honor his legacy.
Remembering Through Service
Across the country Friday, remembrance extended well beyond the three sites attacked 25 years ago.
Communities held vigils, stair climbs, memorial ceremonies and volunteer projects.
In Times Square, dozens of electronic billboards temporarily stopped showing advertisements at 9:11 a.m. Instead, the screens simply displayed the time.
Sept. 11 is recognized nationally as both Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance.
For Jay Winuk, whose brother Glenn was killed in the attacks, service has become one way to ensure that remembrance leads to action.
“One appropriate way to remember is by serving,” he said.
Twenty-five years later, the names continue to be read.
Families continue to gather.
And a nation continues to remember a day that changed America, while honoring the courage, sacrifice and love that emerged from one of its darkest hours.
The Associated Press contributed reporting to this story.