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.