2024 9/11 Memorial Ceremony in Lower Manhattan: Key Details and What to Expect
Loved ones of the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks will gather once again in Lower Manhattan this Wednesday to commemorate the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.
The annual 9/11 memorial ceremony will honor those who perished in the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93.
This solemn event also serves as a tribute to the heroic first responders who risked and gave their lives to save thousands.
This year marks the 23rd anniversary of that day of devastation and loss.
Families of the victims, as well as city officials and community members, will come together at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, built on the footprint of the fallen Twin Towers.
Ceremony Details and Timing
The memorial ceremony will begin at 8:46 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, coinciding with the exact time that American Airlines Flight 11 struck the north tower of the World Trade Center in 2001.
As a mark of remembrance, a citywide moment of silence will be observed at this time. Additionally, houses of worship throughout New York City will toll their bells in solidarity.
Following the moment of silence, families of the victims will begin the reading of the names of all 2,983 victims who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as the six individuals killed during the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
The reading is expected to continue until approximately 12:30 p.m., with pauses at five significant times marking the major moments of the attacks.
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Timeline of Key Moments in the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony
- 8:46 a.m. – Moment of silence, marking the moment American Airlines Flight 11 struck the north tower.
- 9:03 a.m. – Pause to mark when United Airlines Flight 175 hit the south tower.
- 9:37 a.m. – Pause to mark when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon.
- 9:59 a.m. – Pause to mark the collapse of the south tower of the World Trade Center.
- 10:03 a.m. – Pause to mark when United Airlines Flight 93 crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
- 10:28 a.m. – Pause to mark the collapse of the north tower.
Tribute in Light and Citywide Participation
As the sun sets on Sept. 11, 2024, the iconic Tribute in Light will return to Lower Manhattan, memorializing the fallen Twin Towers.
Presented by Con Edison, this powerful symbol will consist of twin beams of light projected into the sky from Lower Manhattan, visible from across the city.
The lights will begin shining at 7:11 p.m. and will remain illuminated throughout the night, fading at dawn on Sept. 12.
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum, in collaboration with New York City Tourism + Conventions, will also extend the Tribute in Light to various rooftops and building facades across the city.
Several iconic landmarks and buildings, including One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, The Oculus, and the JFK Air Traffic Control Tower, will be illuminated in sky blue to honor the victims and heroes of 9/11.
A Day of Reflection and Remembrance
The 9/11 memorial ceremony remains one of the most significant annual events in New York City, offering a time for reflection, grief, and remembrance of those who lost their lives.
It is also an opportunity to honor the courage and resilience of the first responders, including firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and volunteers, who risked everything to save others.
The 9/11 Memorial Plaza will remain open until midnight for those who wish to pay their respects in person.
Visitors are encouraged to participate in this moving tribute, whether by attending the ceremony, visiting the memorial, or viewing the Tribute in Light.
As we mark 23 years since that fateful day, New York City stands united in remembrance, ensuring that the legacy of the fallen, the survivors, and the heroes of 9/11 endures for future generations.