9/11 25th anniversary ceremony updates: Families gather at WTC, Pentagon, Shanksville

Key Points:

• William Gormley's triplet sons, who were 3 years old during the 9/11 attacks, grew up with their father but later learned about the severe health impacts his work at Ground Zero had on him, highlighting the ongoing toll of 9/11-related illnesses.
• Over 9,400 people have died from 9/11-related illnesses, which is three times the number of those killed in the attacks, with around 50,000 cancer diagnoses certified among responders and civilians affected by the disaster.
• Michael Barasch, a lawyer specializing in 9/11 compensation, noted that the tragedy's impact continues long after the event, with thousands of clients, mainly firefighters and police officers, succumbing to related illnesses since 2001.
• Former ABC News correspondent Ann Compton shared her experience on 9/11, recalling being with President George W. Bush in Florida during the attacks and witnessing the towers collapse from Air Force One amid limited communication.
• A public memorial in Bryant Park featured nearly 3,000 folding chairs representing those killed on 9/11, inviting visitors to leave flowers and notes, serving as a poignant tribute and a reminder of resilience in the face of tragedy.