25 Years After 9/11, Attacks Remain a Major Landmark for Americans
WASHINGTON — Twenty-five years after the September 11, 2001, attacks, many Americans still consider the event among the most important in their lives, according to a new Ipsos poll. About half of U.S. adults named 9/11 as one of the most significant historic occurrences when asked in an open-ended question.
The poll highlights the enduring legacy of 9/11, even as other major events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and presidential elections, have occurred since then. Ipsos found that most Americans remember where they were when they learned of the attacks, and roughly two-thirds say it impacted the country “a great deal.” Separately, Gallup polling indicates about 30% of U.S. adults say they have changed their lives permanently because of 9/11.
Despite its significance, only about 10% of Americans plan to do something to commemorate the 25th anniversary on Friday. Kevin Noel, 51, recalls watching the attacks unfold after exiting a subway near the World Trade Center. He plans to reflect privately on the anniversary, describing the day as traumatic and saying he believes it will be remembered for generations.
When asked to list important events in their lifetime, Americans who remember 9/11 overwhelmingly cite it as a defining moment. The attacks top the list for many, especially those over 65, who also mention the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, space exploration, and the Vietnam War. For younger Americans under 35, the COVID-19 pandemic is more prominent, though about one-third still mention 9/11.
Americans widely agree that 9/11 significantly impacted the country. Ipsos found that about 90% believe the attacks affected the U.S. “a great deal” or “quite a bit,” and roughly 70% say it impacted the world “quite a bit.” About 60% say it had a significant impact on their generation, with nearly 30% feeling it affected their family or themselves personally.
Among the small percentage planning to observe the anniversary, most intend to participate in a moment of silence or display an American flag. Lakesha Crowell, 40, recalls vividly the day she learned of the attacks in her history class in Mississippi, noting how it changed societal attitudes and security measures.
Confidence in the government’s ability to protect Americans from terrorism has declined since 9/11. Ipsos found that about one-third of adults believe the country is safer now, another third think it is less safe, and the rest see no change. Gallup data shows that confidence in the government to prevent future attacks has dropped from 88% immediately after 9/11 to about 55% today.
Some Americans remain concerned about terrorism. David Bronkhurst, 49, from New Jersey, remembers friends who joined emergency services after the attacks and others who died from exposure at Ground Zero. He plans to attend a candlelight procession but says he does not believe the country is safer now than before 9/11.
The Ipsos poll surveyed 1,013 adults from Aug. 21-23 using a probability-based panel. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.
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