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For nearly 25 years, the annual Sept. 11 commemoration has paused six times to mark the defining moments of the attacks that changed America. This year, as the nation marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum is adding a seventh moment of silence, honoring thousands whose lives were cut short by illnesses linked to the toxic aftermath of the attacks.The new tribute recognizes first responders, recovery workers, survivors and Lower Manhattan residents exposed to dangerous dust and debris in the days and months after Sept. 11. More than 8,000 people enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program have since died, and officials say tens of thousands continue to battle 9/11-related health conditions."We've lost far too many to cancer, respiratory issues and other 9/11-related illnesses," Dr. Kerry Kelly, former New York Fire Department chief medical officer, said in a statement. The new moment of silence ensures those sacrifices remain part of the nation's annual remembrance, underscoring that the impact of 9/11 is still being felt a quarter-century later.Here's what to know about the seven moments of silence.Why will 7 moments of silence recognized during the 9/11 commemoration service?The six original moments of silence represent the times when each of the World Trade Center towers was struck, when each fell and the times corresponding to the attack of the Pentagon and crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.The new, seventh moment of silence recognizes the service and sacrifice of the thousands of first responders, rescue, recovery and relief workers and lower Manhattan community members who died from 9/11-related illnesses.What does each moment of silence represent?Here are the six original moments of silence observed during the commemoration ceremony. Following each moment of silence, a toll bell is rung.8:46 a.m. - Observance of time hijacked Flight 11 struck the North Tower9:03 a.m. - Observance of time hijacked Flight 175 struck the South Tower9:37 a.m. - Observance of time hijacked Flight 77 struck the Pentagon9:59 a.m. - Observance of time of the fall of the South Tower10:03 a.m. - Observance of time hijacked Flight 93 crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania10:28 a.m. - Observance of time of the fall of the North TowerUnlike the six time-specific observances tied to events on Sept. 11, 2001, the seventh moment of silence will occur at the conclusion of the annual reading of victims' names. The Memorial & Museum says it will become a permanent part of future 9/11 commemoration ceremonies.How to observe the 7 moments of silenceThe National September 11 Memorial & Museum's 25th anniversary commemoration ceremony will take place Sept. 11 on the Memorial Plaza in New York City. The program begins at 8:30 a.m. ET, with the first moment of silence observed at 8:46 a.m., marking the time American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower.Access to the Memorial Plaza will be limited to 9/11 family members beginning at 7 a.m., according to the museum. The 9/11 Museum will open to visitors at 8 a.m., with final entry at 5:30 p.m. before closing at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the museum's website.Those unable to attend in person can still participate. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum encourages people across the country to observe their own moments of silence throughout the morning, including the newly added seventh tribute honoring those who died from 9/11-related illnesses years after the attacks.Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
