LOWER MANHATTAN (WABC) — The 9\/11 Memorial & Museum announced Tuesday it would add a seventh moment of silence during the 25th commemoration ceremony to honor those who have died of illnesses related to their time at or near the World Trade Center site.<\/p>\n
For the past 24 years there have been six moments of silence, to mark the times when planes struck in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, and when towers fell, followed by six tolls of a bell.<\/p>\n
This new seventh moment of silence will be observed at the conclusion of the reading of the names, and will be a permanent part of the annual ceremony.<\/p>\n
The recognition comes as more than 9,000 people have now died from 9\/11-related illnesses, nearly three times the number killed on September 11 itself, according to the World Trade Center Health Program.<\/p>\n
“The 9\/11 attacks caused devastation that extended far beyond that single day. In the aftermath, the heroism and spirit of our city and nation inspired the world – but over the years, tens of thousands of first responders, construction workers, volunteers, and survivors have become ill and tragically, many have died. As we mark the 25th anniversary, adding this moment of silence ensures that we never forget every life lost on that day and in the years since,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, Chairman of the 9\/11 Memorial & Museum.<\/p>\n
Cancer cases tied to exposure have skyrocketed from 3,200 in 2015 to nearly 53,000 in 2026.<\/p>\n
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