Remembrance and Service

On the anniversary of 9/11, the families of victims will gather for a ceremony on the 9/11 Memorial plaza to read aloud the names of the 2,983 men, women, and children killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks and February 26, 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center. Six moments of silence will mark the times when each of the World Trade Center towers was struck, when each tower fell, and the times corresponding to the attack at the Pentagon, and the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. A seventh moment of silence honoring those lost to 9/11 health effects will be observed following the reading of the names. 9/11 family members will receive details about the private ceremony in mailings this summer. The public may view the ceremony live at 911memorial.org/live and pay tribute at the Memorial when it reopens to the public that afternoon.  

Tribute in Light, the two beams of light that evoke the memory of the Twin Towers, is a commemorative public art installation first displayed on the six-month anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Since then, Tribute in Light, presented in partnership with Con Edison, has appeared in the night sky each 9/11 to honor those killed and shine a light on the unbreakable spirit of New York. 

An extension of Tribute in Light supported by New York City Tourism + Conventions, Tribute in Lights provides a unique opportunity to pay tribute and increase public awareness of the anniversary. Buildings and landmarks throughout New York and across the country are invited to light their facades in blue from dusk to dawn on September 11. Learn more.

On September 11 at 7 p.m., the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, in partnership with Disney and its affiliates, will air a first-of-its-kind live broadcast to commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Timed to coincide with the iconic Tribute in Light in New York City, this special will serve as the inspiring and uplifting culmination to the nation’s day of remembrance. As lower Manhattan shines once again to honor those killed on 9/11, we will lead families across America in paying tribute, looking forward, and remembering most of all: in darkness, we shine brightest. 

Every year as we commemorate the anniversary, we ask you to join us in active remembrance, inspired by Trying to Remember the Color of the Sky on that September Morning, Spencer Finch's iconic artwork in the Museum. Simply take a photo of the sky from wherever you are on September 11 — regardless of the weather. Then, share it on Instagram or the social media platform of your choice with a memory or tribute, tag us, and include the hashtags neverforget911 and rememberthesky. Learn more.

Commemorate the victims of 9/11, honor the first responders, and reaffirm our promise to never forget by leaving a personal tribute on our digital Blue Sky Remembrance Wall. Every name, memory, and meaningful message shared can foster a conversation with a new generation and help them understand the story and legacy of 9/11. Learn more.

Explore different ideas for commemorating 9/11 in a way that is personally meaningful, including observing the seven moments of silence with us; bell tolling; and reading aloud the names of those killed. Learn more. 

Join students and teachers from around the world to commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11 by registering for the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s free Anniversary Digital Learning Experience program. This program consists of a 30-minute film highlighting first-person accounts of the attacks and their aftermath, and the opportunity to connect with Museum staff in real-time through an interactive live chat. Available on-demand beginning Friday, September 11. Learn more and register.

In Their Honor: 25 Years of 9/11-Inspired Service
Opens September 12
As a generation comes of age with no lived memory of September 11, In Their Honor: 25 Years of 9/11-Inspired Service explores a legacy from the catastrophe of 9/11 that has endured: purposeful dedication to acts of service. The work of individuals and communities who transformed pain into action—spanning emergency response, advocacy, ongoing remembrance, artistic creation, and more—has touched lives around the world and continues to do so. Details to be announced.

Our Flag Was Still There
Open now
In recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the installation Our Flag Was Still There presents a collection of American flags and highlights additional objects exemplifying the significance of the flag as a symbol of the strength of American ideals in the face of adversity. Learn more.

The World's Game: Soccer and 9/11
Open now
In 2026, the United States, Canada, and Mexico co-host the World Cup, with the final game held only miles from the World Trade Center site. Immediately after 9/11, from fundraising matches to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where the U.S. made a surprising quarterfinal run, soccer offered a space for remembrance and resilience. The global soccer community, as it so often has, rallied to support those most affected. Through August 2026. 

Responding in Ink: Comic Books, Graphic Novels, and 9/11
Opening August 2026
On 9/11, the scenes playing out at the attack sites saw no fictional superheroes come to the rescue, only real people helping however they could. In the immediate aftermath and in the decades since, comic artists have used their work to grapple with the same shock, horror, and grief the public felt, as well as to educate and respond to the attacks. This exhibition delves into the ways they have done so. Details to be announced. 

Throughout 2026, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum will present public programs that invite audiences to examine the lasting impact of 9/11 over a quarter century through moderated conversations, panels, and performances. The series will bring together historians, policymakers, veterans, clinicians, journalists, artists, and members of the 9/11 community to explore both the immediate aftermath of the attacks and their long-term consequences. Throughout 2026. Learn more.

This summer, discover how the 9/11 Memorial & Museum can help you and your students commemorate the milestone 25th anniversary of 9/11.

Our annual Institute for Educators will take place from July 13-17, offering a unique, behind-the-scenes look into the Museum's content and collections. Participants will receive classroom-ready strategies to discuss 9/11 with students, and collaborate with Museum staff, experts, and fellow educators on how best to engage with difficult content. Learn more.

On August 18 and 26 and September 3, we will host free interactive PD sessions previewing the Anniversary Digital Learning Experience and ways to work it into your curriculum. Workshop details and registration information will be posted on our Professional Development page later this spring.

The Never Forget Fund supports the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s mission to educate a new generation and inspire them with stories of compassion, resilience, and service. Since its launch in 2021, The Never Forget Fund has supported programs reaching 5.5 million students, teachers, professionals, and community members. We invite individuals and organizations to donate to The Never Forget Fund as we pursue our $50 million goal — enabling us to educate 20 million students, train 100,000 professionals, amplify stories of 9/11-inspired service, and ensure the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a permanent place of reflection and learning for future generations. Learn more. 

For the first time, we're partnering with New York Road Runners on our Run to Remember charity race, presented by RXR. This year's race will take place on Saturday, July 11 in Central Park, offering a new and inspiring setting for participants to gather in tribute. The updated course is now a four-mile (4M) scenic route through the park, creating space for reflection while honoring the 2,977 victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks and recognizing the courage and resilience that followed. Learn more.

Throughout this milestone anniversary year, with a grant from Carnegie Corporation, we continue to offer free admission to those who live, work, and study in New York on the first Sunday of each month from 4-7 p.m. (ID required). We invite you to come reconnect with the feeling of community and cohesion that blanketed our city and nation in the wake of 9/11. Learn more.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum Visionary Network brings together individuals ages 21–45 for a meaningful cause — whether they have a personal connection to 9/11 or simply want to honor and remember its impact.

Through commemoration, volunteering, advocacy, and networking opportunities, Visionaries help ensure the stories and lessons of 9/11 continue to resonate for future generations. Members receive access to special Museum programs, events, and opportunities to connect, serve, and carry forward the mission of remembrance. Learn more.