President Donald Trump led national commemorations at the Pentagon on Friday, marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary attended the ceremony.

The milestone anniversary drew observances at all three attack sites. A reading of victims' names took place at the National September 11 Memorial in New York, while a wreath-laying ceremony occurred at the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, with Governor Josh Shapiro in attendance.

Security across major cities was elevated following recent incidents of political violence. The Department of Homeland Security and the New York Police Department deployed enhanced security around memorial sites and transit hubs throughout the day.

Trump used his Pentagon remarks to invoke national unity while defending his administration's counterterrorism and immigration policies as continuations of post-9/11 security measures. Democratic leaders, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, attended separate observances and called for the day to remain above partisan politics.

The quarter-century mark prompted reflection on a generation born after the attacks, with survivors' families and first responders featured prominently at ceremonies. Many advocacy groups renewed calls for expanded funding of the World Trade Center Health Program covering illnesses linked to Ground Zero.