WASHINGTON – An American flag was unfurled at sunrise Friday at the Pentagon as President Donald Trump led a ceremony marking 25 years since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
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In a downpour at sunrise, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and military leaders stood outside as the giant flag was unfurled. Trump commemorated the anniversary later in the morning by honoring the 184 military personnel and civilians killed when hijackers crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the building. He and first lady Melania Trump sat on stage as the names of those killed at the Pentagon on 9/11 were read one by one, a bell tolling after each. Images of every victim appeared on a large screen beside the stage.
It’s the second year in a row Trump has marked the anniversary at the Pentagon. The president, a New York native, last attended the ground zero ceremony in 2024.
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Earlier this week, Trump stood with first responders, Gold Star families and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation on the Ellipse during a Steel Across America event, alongside a 21‑foot, 16,900‑pound steel beam recovered from the South Tower. The beam has served as a traveling memorial, appearing in pop‑up events across 21 states leading up to the anniversary.
Four former presidents gathered in Manhattan for the anniversary ceremony at Ground Zero. Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Joe Biden were seen at the National Sept. 11 Memorial in Lower Manhattan as the observance began. Vice President JD Vance also attended the ceremony in New York.
FOX 5 is making available its FOX 5 DC Archive featuring footage and coverage from Sept. 11, 2001.
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September 11: Pentagon flag unfurled marking 25 years since 9/11 attacks