Americans across the country are pausing Friday to remember the lives lost in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, as the nation marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
A total of 2,977 people were killed when hijacked planes struck the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon near Washington, while another plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
The anniversary serves as a time to honor the victims, their families and the first responders who demonstrated extraordinary courage in the face of tragedy.
Communities across the nation observe Sept. 11 as Patriot Day, with flags lowered to half-staff and moments of silence held in remembrance of those who lost their lives.
The day also honors the firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency personnel, service members and ordinary citizens who responded to the attacks and assisted in the days and months that followed.
Twenty-five years later, the nation continues its promise to never forget the lives lost and the sacrifices made on Sept. 11, 2001.
