Saturday, October 3, 2026
One-year anniversary, five-year anniversary, 10-year anniversary, 15-year anniversary, 20-year anniversary — and all the years in between — and now it’s been 25 years since a beautiful late summer Tuesday was shattered beyond belief by four planes.
The Twin Towers at the World Trade Center in Manhattan, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia and Flight 93 near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Several other WTC buildings were destroyed or severely damaged in the seven-building complex.
Lives were lost — 2,753 at the trade center site — 184 people at the Pentagon — 44 on Flight 93. These numbers do not include the hijackers.
The Herald’s special section marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks brings together deeply personal accounts of survival, sacrifice and service, along with stories of how Long Island communities continue to honor those affected.
Survivors and first responders recall the chaos of that morning and the lasting physical and emotional toll of the attacks, while families share memories of loved ones whose lives were forever changed by their work at Ground Zero.
The section also explores the legacy of Sept. 11 across Nassau County, from firefighters and police officers that continue to serve despite health challenges to children and families inspired by the courage of those who responded.
Stories examine memorial street names, tributes to volunteer firefighters, photographs from the Herald archives and the ways families and communities are ensuring that the memories and lessons of Sept. 11 endure for a new generation.
We honor those whose names we still remember by preserving their stories through the names and, when possible, photographs of local residents who were killed in the attacks.
The Herald’s special section marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks is not simply a look back at one of the darkest days in American history. It is also a reflection on the present and, in many ways, the future.
A quarter of a century may seem like a long time, particularly to those who were not yet born on Sept. 11, 2001. But for countless people, the impact of that day is not confined to the past.
First responders and survivors continue to face health consequences. Families continue to mourn loved ones. Children and grandchildren are growing up with stories of sacrifice, courage and loss that have become part of their own family histories.
This special section shares those deeply personal stories. They remind us that everyone experiences Sept. 11 differently. For some, the memories remain as vivid as yesterday. For younger generations, the attacks may seem like history, learned through photographs, documentaries and the stories of parents and grandparents.
Yet Sept. 11, 2001, left an indelible imprint on all of us. Its legacy continues to shape our communities, our families and the generations still to come.
