NEW YORK – Twenty-four years have passed since the world’s deadliest terrorist attack, but the grief, memories, and calls for justice remain as strong as ever.
On Wednesday, the Philippine Consulate in New York joined the United States and the world in remembering the nearly 3,000 lives lost during the September 11, 2001 terror attacks—including Filipino and Filipino-American victims.
Consul General Senen Mangalile said the Philippines mourns alongside the families of the fallen and pays tribute to the courage shown on that tragic day.
“We remember the bravery of countless first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice, and the many acts of kindness shown by ordinary people in the aftermath. These stood in stark contrast to the violence of that day,” Mangalile said.
He also expressed hope that with advancements in technology, more victims will be identified, finally bringing closure to grieving families.
This week, the office of New York City Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that three more victims were identified through advanced DNA testing. Two were named—Barbara Keating and Ryan Fitzgerald—while the third remains unnamed at the family’s request. Out of nearly 3,000 who died, only 1,653 have been identified so far, leaving more than 1,000 still unnamed.
At Ground Zero, 9/11 Memorial & Museum CEO Elizabeth Hillman announced that all 2,983 victims—including the 1993 World Trade Center bombing—would be honored. Families gathered to read aloud their names, pausing for six moments of silence marking the times of the attacks and the collapse of the towers.
Hillman also emphasized the global loss, with 372 foreign nationals among the dead.
For survivors, the pain remains raw. Filipina lawyer and nurse practitioner Angie Cordova recalled the horror of witnessing the Twin Towers collapse with her own eyes.
“I had only been in New York for 10 months. I was traumatized. For months, I had nightmares. It was unforgettable—and terrifying,” she said, still keeping the train ticket she held on that fateful day.
Amid the sorrow, symbols of resilience continue to inspire. At the 9/11 Memorial stands the Survivor Tree, a once-burned oak rescued from the rubble. Nurtured back to life, it now blooms each spring, carrying messages of remembrance from families and visitors worldwide.
The tree, like the memory of those lost, stands as a living testament: from tragedy can rise resilience, and from grief can grow strength.
