7 moments of silence observed at ground zero to memorialize the 9/11 tragedy

Thousands of people gathered in New York City on Friday to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, where 2,753 people died.

Loved ones of the victims came together at Memorial Plaza, the former site of the twin towers, for an annual reading of the names of people who died that extended for several hours.

The number of casualties includes those who lost their lives inside the World Trade Center and in the immediate area, as well as passengers and crews aboard the two hijacked commercial planes that struck the buildings.

No political figures spoke during the ceremony at ground zero, in keeping with protocol for the annual remembrance, which is dedicated to the survivors, families of victims and first responders.

The names of each victim who died in the terrorist attack at the World Trade Center were read at a morning ceremony on Friday at Memorial Park, the former site of the twin towers. Family members read the names of each victim, and some offered their own personal tributes. (Screenshot)

The names of each victim who died in the terrorist attack at the World Trade Center were read at a morning ceremony on Friday at Memorial Park, the former site of the twin towers. Family members read the names of each victim, and some offered their own personal tributes. (Screenshot)

Victims’ names are inscribed on parapets surrounding the twin reflecting pools at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City. (Screenshot)

Family members, who were chosen to read several names at a time in alphabetical order, also were able to offer their own brief, personal tributes to relatives who died.

Many of the family members addressed the victims directly and personally.

“Dad, I was only 16 months old, but I’ve spent my entire life getting to know you,” one speaker said.

“Dad, even though I was only 6 on 9/11, I have so many memories of us. I can still feel how much you love me 25 years later,” another speaker said.

“I take you with me every day. You are the angel on my shoulder,” said a speaker addressing her late uncle.

The ceremony was punctuated by seven moments of silence signaling the exact times of the attacks and the tragic events that followed.

Each moment was introduced by the toll of a bell.

A seventh moment of silence was added this year to memorialize the survivors and first responders who have died from 9/11-related illnesses.

Here are those moments of silence:

The first moment of silence was at 8:46 a.m., the exact time that American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

The second moment of silence was at 9:03 a.m., when United Airlines Flight 175 hit the South Tower.

The third moment of silence was at 9:37 a.m., when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon.

The fourth moment of silence was at 9:59 a.m., marking the collapse of the South Tower.

The fifth moment of silence was at 10:03 a.m., when United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pa.

The sixth moment of silence was at 10:28 a.m., marking the collapse of the North Tower.

A seventh moment of silence was added on Friday, after a reading of the victims’ names concluded.

The seventh moment served as a tribute to the survivors and first responders who later died from illnesses related to toxic dust exposure and other injuries from the buildings’ destruction.

Access to the National September 11 Memorial Plaza was strictly limited during the ceremony to family members, first responders and dignitaries.

New York City leaders attended the ceremony, along with Vice President JD Vance and former presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

President Donald Trump spoke at a 9/11 remembrance at the Pentagon.

The general public was not allowed on Memorial Plaza as the name-reading ceremony took place, although the event was live-streamed by the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, on YouTube and other social media channels.