Remembering 9/11: Tributes to victims in New York, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon

Taylor Swift on Wednesday took a moment to honor those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, as she accepted an award for best collaboration.

Swift accepted the award alongside Post-Malone for their song, “Fortnight.”

"Waking up this morning in New York on Sept. 11, I’ve just been thinking about what happened 23 years ago, everyone who lost a loved one and everyone that we lost," Swift said while accepting the award. "And that is the most important thing about today and everything that happens tonight falls behind that."

Republican Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana and Democratic Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan on Tuesday introduced a motion to designate the week of Sept. 11 through Sept. 17 as a “Patriot Week.”

Co-founded by Judge Michael Warren, the week is intended to honor the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, celebrates Constitution Day on Sept. 17, and encourage students to study American History.

Kennedy said Patriot Week “helps us to never forget the sacrifices our brave heroes made that day to save lives, and it encourages Americans to reflect on our nation’s great history.

“I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution with Sen. Peters for the sixth consecutive year, and I look forward to my colleagues’ supporting it," Kennedy said in a statement.

“Just as we came together in those days following September 11th, this resolution encourages us to always stay unified and remember our core values as Americans, in order to address the challenges we face ahead. I continue to be thankful for Judge Warren’s efforts to help champion this important initiative each year,” Peters said.

The U.S. Secret Service on Wednesday paid tribute to those who died during the Sept. 11 attacks but accidentally included the 19 hijackers in a now-deleted social media post. 

"The flag hanging in our headquarters is a solemn reminder of 9/11 and our mission’s purpose. A testament to freedom and sacrifice, it honors all 2,996 lives lost, including our own Master Special Officer Craig T. Miller & Special Agent in Charge Charles L. Friend," the organization wrote in a post on X.

The Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks killed 2,977 people in the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, when the hijackers took over four commercial planes. 

The 19 hijackers appeared to be included in the figure first posted by the Secret Service. 

President Biden, Vice President Harris , and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin concluded Wednesday by participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Pentagon to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11.

Earlier in the day, Austin spoke at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, near the western side of the Pentagon where the hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 crashed, evoking the memory of the 184 people who lost their lives.

"We do not bend to terror. And in uncertain times, our compass remains our Constitution. This department does not just defend our country and our citizens, it also defends America's founding values of democracy, freedom and liberty," Austin said.

He said the U.S. Military “will always strive to carry forward with values of the teammates” who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

“Their memory is our mission, and their families are our families, too. You have endured endless sorrow with unimaginable strength. We stand with you today and every day, and we rededicate ourselves to living up to the example and the goodness of your loved ones," Austin said.

A retired flight attendant is pushing a beverage cart more than 200 miles to honor the flight crews who lost their lives on 9/11.

“I flew with every one of these guys,” Paul Veneto told WPIX, calling them “true heroes.”

Veneto has started what he refers to as “Paulie’s Push” to ensure that the their lives are remembered.

Started in 2021, Veneto pushed the beverage cart from the gate they left out of on C19 on the street to Ground Zero New York.

After his gesture gained traction, Veneto began doing it every year.

“I decided to do each airplane, so the next year, I decided to go from Washington Dulles airport to the Pentagon where [American Airlines Flight 77] crashed. Then last year I went from Newark Airport to Shanksville in Pennsylvania. That was a long one, 300 miles,” Veneto said.

This year, he’s back in New York City for a second time, but with far larger support.

Former President Trump is paying tribute to firefighters on the 23rd anniversary of 9/11.

The Republican presidential nominee and his running mate, JD Vance, interacted with members of the New York City Fire Department while visiting the FDNY’s Engine 4 Ladder 15 in lower Manhattan.

“We will never forget,” Trump posted on his Truth Social account, along with photos, meeting with firefighters.

Later Wednesday, Trump is headed to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to meet with more first responders. 

Climate change protesters interrupted Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin during a speech to the Federalist Society and Defense of Freedom Institute (DFI) – while he was recounting his visit to Arlington Cemetery’s 9/11 Memorial earlier in the morning. 

Youngkin had been speaking for several minutes when he pivoted to remember those Virginians and Americans lost in the terrorist attack on the Defense Department headquarters 23 years ago Wednesday.

A female protester could be heard yelling that Youngkin was "unfit" and that "future generations will remember him as a climate criminal."

Without raising his voice, Youngkin admonished the protesters, saying there could not be a worse time to make their own voices heard:

"Today is a day of solemn remembrance. I just came from Arlington National Cemetery. I just came from the honor and privilege of laying a wreath at both the Pentagon Group Memorial Burial marker, and at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier," Youngkin said.

"There couldn’t be anything more disrespectful to … our nation than what you are doing right now – not a thing," he added.

Former President Trump is visiting the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where he also participated in a wreath laying event on Wednesday.

Trump was seen meeting with families of the victims at the memorial.

Former President Trump and his running mate JD Vance spent around 40 minutes interacting with members of the New York City Fire Department on Wednesday during the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. 

Trump visited the FDNY’s Engine 4 Ladder 15 in lower Manhattan. 

The visit came after Trump and Vance attended a 9/11 commemoration ceremony at Ground Zero, standing beside President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who Trump had debated last night.

Fox News' Grace Taggart contributed to this report.

The widow of New York City Fire Department Assistant Chief Gerard A. Barbara, killed on 9/11, had sharp words for the Biden administration during a commemoration ceremony at Ground Zero in Manhattan on Wednesday.

"It is outrageous that our government would ever entertain the thought of granting the terrorists a plea deal," Barbara's wife, identified as Joanne by the 9/11 Memorial and Museum's website, said. "If not for the outcry of the 9/11 community, who knows what might have transpired. It has been 23 years and the families deserve justice and accountability."

She continued, "The elected officials here today show their respect and reverence to the families on September 11th. Or in our president's words, ‘do 9/11.' Quite a flippant remark, but please remember that the September 11th families live it every day, not just on the anniversary. In conclusion, may God bless those battling post-September 11th illnesses. Our first responders and the military here and abroad. May God bless America and never forget."

Barbara was referring to President Biden's remark from Tuesday, in which he told reporters about his plans to attend the 9/11 ceremony in New York City on Wednesday. Biden had already left Ground Zero prior to Barbara's remarks. 

A White House spokesman referred to Biden's statement released today, saying "we continue to disrupt terrorist networks wherever we find them." 

President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are participating Wednesday in a wreath laying ceremony at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

The National Park Service says Flight 93 "was the only one of the four hijacked aircraft that failed to reach the terrorists' intended target" on 9/11.

"The flight data recorder that was recovered from the crash site revealed that the terrorists had reprogrammed the aircraft's autopilot system for a new destination -- Washington, D.C. Recovered evidence and responses to interrogations revealed that the terrorists' intended target was most likely the United States Capitol Building, where the nation's legislators were in session," according to the NPS. "Flight 93 crashed only 20 minutes flying-time from Washington, D.C."

"The terrorists remained in control of the plane and chose to crash it rather than risk the passengers and crew regaining control of the aircraft," it also said.

Captain Rick Thornton, a ferry captain for NY Waterway, told "Fox & Friends First" on Wednesday that “the entire fleet was mobilized” to carry out evacuations after the second plane struck the South Tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. 

He said 30 boats were sent to the area “because that was the most immediate place that needed evacuation. 

“The people from not just the towers, but all the surrounding buildings were streaming out of the buildings and then collecting along the waterfront,” Thornton recalled. “Some of them were just running in any direction... some of them – there was just sheer terror in their eyes -- they were actually climbing over the rail and some of them were jumping into the river and starting to swim out.” 

“Our ferries were extremely busy and we were just picking up people from every imaginable part, not just ferry terminals, but even along the sea wall and pulling people out of the water as well," he added.

Family members who lost their loved ones on Sept. 11, 2001, gave emotional tributes to them Wednesday during a ceremony in New York City. Here are some of those who spoke at Ground Zero: 

Daughter of Keith Coleman and Niece of Scott Coleman: "My father, Keith Coleman, and my uncle Scott Coleman. Not a day goes by that we don't wish you wish you were here and think about you. Thank you for leaving a legacy so strong that your memory lives on. Thank you to the first responders, the United States military, and those who continue to fight the war on terror every day. Please pray for those still suffering from the effects of 9/11 and the families left with a void. God bless America, united we stand.” 

Aunt of Charles Francis Xavier Heeran: "My nephew, Charles Francis Xavier Heeran from Rockaway Beach, Queens. Charlie, you were only 23 years old when you were taken from us on 9/11. So on this 23rd anniversary, it means from now on you are in heaven longer than you were with us on earth, which is a very bittersweet feeling for our family. We miss and love you. Continue to watch over your family and friends and especially our country."

Cousin of Michelle Marie Reid: " Her unwavering commitment to her loved ones never missing a family gathering or celebration, and her infectious smile will be cherished in our hearts forever. Michelle had a deep passion for photography, capturing the world's beauty and treasured moments through her lens. Her photographs continue to remind us of her unique perspective and the special times we shared."

Granddaughter of Firefighter Robert James Crawford: "And my grandfather, Firefighter Robert James Crawford. As the years passed, I can't help but think of everything you should be here for. But in hindsight, I know you've been with us all along, giving us the strength to go on. Just knowing everything we do, we do it for you. We will never forget. God bless America.” 

Fox News' Peter Cuddihy contributed to this report.

Former New York Mets catcher Mike Piazza famously hit the first MLB home run in New York after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. In a Sept. 21 home game against the Atlanta Braves, Piazza stepped to the plate at Shea Stadium with the Mets down 2-1. 

However, Piazza smacked a Steve Karsay pitch to deep left-center for the go-ahead two-run homer, as the Mets won the game. Today, it is considered one of the most iconic home runs in New York sports and MLB history, as many first responders and family members of those lost in the attack were in attendance that night. 

Piazza's manager at the time, longtime player and manager Bobby Valentine, gave credit to former President George W. Bush for the catcher hitting the historic home run at that moment. 

"Bush truly believed, he was the one who believed that if baseball came back, the road to recovery would be a lot better. And he pushed for it and I believed in him and I think the reason we played in New York, the reason the Atlanta Braves came to New York, the reason Mike Piazza hit the home run in New York, was mainly because George W. felt that that was the right thing to do," Valentine said during an interview with OutKick's Dan Dakich. 

MLB had postponed all games in the immediate aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks. After a week of silence, games slowly resumed, but the nation was still reeling as New Yorkers were still in shock. However, Bush was one of the biggest proponents for having baseball resume as quickly as it did, culminating in Piazza's home run. 

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said during the 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the Pentagon Wednesday that “We are the United States of America” and “We do not bend to terror.” 

“This department does not just defend our country and our citizens. It also defends America's founding values of democracy, freedom and liberty under law. And those beliefs have inspired generations of patriots to step forward and to wear the cloth of our nation,” Austin said. “And they still do.  

“You know, only about 6% of today's troops were in uniform on 9/11. And some of our troops, about 21% of our troops, were born after 9/11. Some of our troops enlisted or were commissioned after 9/11 as our country came together in sorrow and determination. And others joined years later, spurred on by an enduring spirit of service,” Austin continued. “And we are profoundly grateful to them all. We thank the military families who make their service possible. 

“And today, of all days, I want to especially thank my fellow veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. And in memory of every American soldier, sailor, airman, marine and public servant who lost their lives in the wars that America fought after 9/11, we bow our heads,” Austin also said before pausing for a moment of silence. 

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Wednesday during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the Pentagon that “On behalf of the entire Department of Defense, let me offer my deepest condolences to the families, the friends, and the loved ones of the 184 souls who were stolen from us 23 years ago today here at the Pentagon and on Flight 77. 

“We have repaired the damage to this building. But we cannot repair the damage to your hearts,” Austin said. “No words can take away your grief. No amount of time can make sense of the worst terrorist attack in American history. And I know that for those whose lives were changed forever on 9/11, it can feel as if more and more Americans are returning to normal life on each new September 11.  

“But not here. Not at the Pentagon," Austin said. "Because we remember, the men and women of the Department of Defense remember, and we always will.” 

Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown Jr. said Wednesday during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the Pentagon that “Our nation, this building and the lives of everyone here were scarred that day by an act of horrific violence.  

“Yet in the face of adversity, it also became a testament to the unyielding spirit, the enduring power of unity, a testament to our perseverance and to our resilience as a nation,” he said. “Today, we gather to remember the day, the loss and the determination.” 

“The day – a Tuesday, 23 years ago, the Pentagon awoke to a day like any other. But at 9:37 a.m., the routine of the morning was shattered by the explosion of fire and steel as hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 was flown into the west wall of the Pentagon,” he said. 

“Those there on the day spoke of the acrid smell of fire, the great smoke that permeated its way through the corridors and across the building. But many noted an absence of panic despite the horror, shock and confusion,” Brown continued. “Through the chaos and terror arose a focused calm among the people trained -- the people there, trained military and civilian professionals -- dedicated to helping the wounded, dedicated to maintaining the mission. As families waited for a call to hear that their loved one was okay. Some of those families never received the call.” 

Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin are paying their respects Wednesday to the victims of the 9/11 attacks at the Pentagon.

A remembrance ceremony there is now underway, with the names of the victims being read aloud.

Click here to watch the ceremony.

Attorney General Merrick Garland, speaking Wednesday at a September 11th remembrance vigil in the Justice Department’s courtyard, said “we renew our commitment to doing everything in our power to keep our country safe from the threat of terrorism and to uphold the rule of law that is the foundation of our democracy. 

Today, the department joins Americans across the country in remembering and reflecting on the tragedy of September 11,” he also said. 

President Biden, former President Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris and Ohio Sen. JD Vance were seen standing side by side Wednesday during the 9/11 remembrance ceremony at Ground Zero.

A 9/11 remembrance ceremony is underway Wednesday at Ground Zero in New York City.  

President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Trump and Ohio Sen. JD Vance are in attendance, along with New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. 

Moments of silence will be held during the moments in which the planes struck the Twin Towers and the names of each of the victims will be read. 

Former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris were seen shaking hands Wednesday at Ground Zero ahead of a remembrance ceremony for 9/11 victims.

The pair participated last night in a presidential debate.

President Biden also has arrived at Ground Zero for the ceremony.

Former President Trump and JD Vance have arrived in at Ground Zero in New York City for a 9/11 commemoration ceremony.

Prior to the start of the ceremony, Trump was seen briefly speaking with New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy at Ground Zero. 

The Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S. by al Qaeda jihadists changed the future of security for not only Washington, but for nations on every inhabited continent worldwide — sparking the Global War on Terror that continues to this day.

More than 20 years have passed since 19 hijackers boarded four commercial flights and crashed into the Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon near Washington, D.C., and an empty field in Pennsylvania after passengers on United Airlines flight 93 thwarted what is believed to have been an attempt to strike either the U.S. Capitol or the White House. 

The plan, outlined by al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, killed 2,977 victims 23 years ago in what remains the largest terrorist attack in history and set in motion a global fight against extremism.

But despite the end to the U.S. war in Afghanistan and declared defeat over Islamic terrorist organizations like al Qaeda and the Islamic State, experts warn the threat posed by extremist groups remains acute to this day.

"The threat has evolved," Bill Roggio, senior fellow with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and editor of the Long War Journal, told Fox News Digital. "It's certainly much more difficult to launch a 9/11 style attack, but there's much more opportunity for jihadists from both al Qaeda and the Islamic State to launch individual attacks, such as we've witnessed over the last decade and a half particularly. 

 "Prior to 9/11, al Qaeda was operating openly in Afghanistan and on cellular level, in dozens of countries. And now there are safe havens and battlefields with 10s of 1000s of fighters that exist throughout the world," he added.

It’s been 23 years since the most deadly attack on American soil and, in the wake of the commemoration of Sept. 11, 2001, one survivor who escaped from the North Tower of the World Trade Center is looking back at the resilience shown that day and encouraging a new generation of learners to listen in.

Michael Hingson, a best-selling author and keynote public speaker, was a computer hardware sales manager recruited in 1999 to open an office and manage a team of people on the 78th floor of 1 World Trade Center.

"We were going to be doing some sales training that day," Hingson told Fox News Digital during a video interview.

On a crisp, clear September morning, the entire world fixated on their televisions and radios in horror as four American planes hijacked by terrorists crashed into a field in Pennsylvania, the Pentagon and the Twin Towers in New York City.

"I was in my office. A colleague, David Frank, was also with me," Hingson said. "He was from our corporate office. The two of us were going to be doing these sales seminars."

At 8:46 a.m., American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower.

"None of us knew what happened," Hingson said. "Tall buildings are made to flex in windstorms, and the building just started tipping and tipping."

"We actually moved maybe about 20 feet. David and I actually said ‘Goodbye’ to each other because we thought we were about to take a 78-floor plunge to the street. But then the building stopped flexing, and it came back and became vertical," he added.

There are 9/11 memorials throughout the United States where you can go at any time of the year to pay your respects to those who lost their lives on a tragic day in American history. 

There is a memorial in New York City where millions of visitors go each year to honor the fallen and educate themselves on the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

9/11 memorials have been built in states including Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania and California.

Former President Donald Trump told "Fox & Friends" on Wednesday that Sept. 11, 2001 was a “horrible day” and “there's never been anything like it.” 

Trump said he and running mate JD Vance spoke about 9/11 yesterday. The pair are heading to Ground Zero in New York City Wednesday morning for memorial events there, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. 

“I'm going down to the World Trade Center site, and I'll be down there for much of it,” Trump said.  

An American flag has been unfurled at the Pentagon Wednesday ahead of the main observance ceremony there for victims of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. is set to speak later this morning, followed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

American Airlines Flight 77 was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon on 9/11, killing all 64 onboard and 125 in the Pentagon, the Department of Defense says.

Calls made from those inside the north and south towers on September 11, 2001, displayed great strength in the midst of tragedy. 

Listening to the phone calls that were made, bravery can be heard, as people did their best to assist one another through the horrific events. 

Radio calls from first responders, including Orio Palmer, show their incredible impulse to quickly come to the aid of those who were trapped inside the buildings, even though doing so put their own lives on the line.

Palmer was Chief of Battalion 7 and one of the first responders to the 9/11 attacks. Palmer was in impeccable shape, and used his strength to quickly climb up the tower. He managed to fix a broken elevator and a broken radio receiver, allowing the firefighters to once again communicate with one another about what they were seeing.  

He entered the south tower, fixed the elevator and took it all the way up to the 40th floor of the building. After that, he started to make the climb on foot. 

"Orio got up there pretty quick. Anyone who was wounded or dying, to know somebody was able to get up there, they knew there had to be a way out," Palmer's brother Stephen shared in the "9/11 Phone Calls from the Towers" documentary. "The people who were there at the point of impact to have seen him, I can only imagine there must have been some elation or euphoria that's probably indescribable. Just to see him and realize there's some hope here, thanks to this guy who just made it up here." 

David Paventi was on the 81st floor of the World Trade Center's North Tower when the first plane struck on 9/11.

A banker from Charlotte, North Carolina, Paventi was in New York City at the time on business. His company had a new office in the World Trade Center it was still moving into, with TV mounts screwed into the walls but TVs not yet installed.

The day before, Sept. 10, Paventi remembers looking out a window of the skyscraper on a day that was so muggy and foggy he couldn't see the streets below.

"There was another gentleman … that was up there with me that day — he and I had went and got coffee that morning and went upstairs — and I remember him saying to me, ‘How do airplanes not hit this building?’" Paventi recalled.

He didn't make much of the comment then, other than thinking there were air security and control methods in place to make sure that wouldn't happen.

The next day was a bright, crisp preview to autumn, Paventi said. Just before he and his team in the World Trade Center building were scheduled to start their morning meeting at a long table in a conference room on the 81st floor, American Airlines flight 11 hit the North Tower's 93rd floor, just 12 floors above Paventi's office, at 8:46 a.m.

He said it felt like what he'd imagine an earthquake feels like, even though he's never experienced one himself.

"I remember looking up … and the light was just shaking back and forth over the table," Paventi said. "So, my initial instinct was to get under the table because I didn't want the light to fall on my head. And as I was doing that, literally everyone in the conference room got up from their seats and took off out of the front of the room."

Former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris both traveled to New York City following their first presidential debate showdown, to put politics aside and commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 

Wednesday marks the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. Nearly 3,000 people died as the result of a group of terrorists launching coordinated attacks against the U.S. by hijacking and crashing commercial airline planes at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, in what became America’s most deadly terrorist attack.

Trump and Harris participated in their first presidential debate Tuesday night before they both traveled to New York City. 

First, Trump is expected to visit the World Trade Center site, also known as Ground Zero, to attend the 9/11 memorial commemoration where he is set to deliver brief remarks. 

Next, Trump is expected to visit New York Fire Department Engine 4, Tower Ladder 15. 

Meanwhile, President Biden and Harris are also expected to visit the 9/11 memorial for the commemoration ceremony. 

Biden and Harris are then expected to travel to Shanksville for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Flight 93 Memorial. 

Later, Biden and Harris will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.