Flight 93 Memorial ceremonies today mark 25 years since 9/11 attacks

Today marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and observance ceremonies will be held at the Flight 93 Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to remember the lives lost that day.

Nearly 3,000 people died and thousands more were injured as terrorists carried out coordinated attacks on the World Trade Center skyscrapers in New York and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. 

United Airlines Flight 93 was headed for the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., but the passengers and crew members fought back, leading to the plane crashing into an empty field in Somerset County. 

Ceremonies began around 8:30 a.m. near the Wall of Names as thousands of people showed up to pay their respects in a moving tribute.

An afternoon ceremony, scheduled from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., will feature remarks from keynote speakers including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Wall of Names. 

On Saturday evening, 40 candle lanterns will brought to the Wall of Names as the sun goes down.