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.
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.
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.
"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.
"It's going to be the perfect educational opportunity to let the world know, let America know beyond New York, that people are still getting sick and dying from 9/11," said Bridget Gormley, whose father died from 9/11-related cancer.
Gormley's father, Billy Gormley, was a hero firefighter. He survived the collapse of the towers but after months at ground zero, the toxins would claim his life 15 years later.
"I'm not a crier but when they add that seventh bell, that seventh moment of silence, I'll be the one crying in the corner the loudest," said John Feal, a 9/11 survivor.
Feal says he lives with lingering health problems from his time at ground zero as a demolition supervisor.
Cancer cases tied to exposure have skyrocketed from 3,200 in 2015 to nearly 53,000 in 2026.
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