Approaching the 25TH Commemoration of 9/11, the 9/11 Memorial &

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, September 2, 2026

APPROACHING THE 25TH COMMEMORATION OF 9/11, THE 9/11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM FOCUSES ON EDUCATION FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

9/11 Memorial & Museum recently announced digital learning experience and new exhibition aimed at educating and informing 100 million Americans too young to remember the attacks

Performers announced for Disney Entertainment Television special programming

NEW YORK, NY – As the nation approaches the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is focused on fostering education about the events of 9/11 for the public – particularly the 100 million Americans born since the attacks or too young to remember – about the consequences of terrorism and its impact on individuals and communities.

These efforts include a digital learning experience for students featuring personal stories from a survivor, an NYPD first responder, and family members who lost loved ones on 9/11, all as part of a 35-minute film that will be available on demand beginning September 11, 2026. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum also recently announced a new exhibition called “In Their Honor” that explores how individuals and communities transformed grief into a legacy of public service following the attacks. It will open to the public on September 12, 2026.

Also announced today: Lainey Wilson and John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting will perform during Disney Entertainment Television multiplatform live special programming premiering Friday, September 11, including “9/11 Tribute in Light: Live from Lower Manhattan” at 8:00 p.m. EDT across ABC, Disney+, Hulu, National Geographic, ABC Owned Television Stations livestreams and ABC News Live, in partnership with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and “Prime with Linsey Davis” at 7:00 p.m. EDT on WABC-TV New York, ABC News Live, Disney+, Hulu and ABC Owned Television Stations livestreams. This special was created in partnership with Alex Coletti Productions, Executive Producer Patrick Menton, and Production Designer LeRoy Bennett.

The performances will be part of Tribute in Light, the annual commemorative public art installation that has illuminated the New York City skyline every September 11 since 2002, and this year will mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. During Tribute in Light, twin beams reach up to four miles into the sky, echoing the shape and orientation of the Twin Towers, and are visible within a 60-mile radius of Lower Manhattan.

This year, for the first time, the iconic installation will be broadcast live to audiences nationwide as part of the 25th anniversary commemoration of September 11. “9/11 Tribute in Light: Live from Lower Manhattan” will be hosted live from New York City by “World News Tonight” anchor David Muir, “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts, and anchor Diane Sawyer, and the “Prime” pre-show will be anchored by “World News Tonight” Sunday and “Prime” anchor Linsey Davis and WABC-TV anchors Sade Baderinwa and Mike Marza. In a Tribute in Light first, Ondrasik and Wilson will perform live from the base of the iconic beams, bringing viewers across the country together for a shared moment of remembrance.

Lainey Wilson continues one of country music’s most unstoppable runs. Her new song, “Phone, Keys, Wallet,” which features John Mayer on guitar, finds Wilson embracing the fast-moving parts of life and the person who loves her through it all. The track follows “Can’t Sit Still” and “Younger You” with Miley Cyrus, and adds to a landmark year for Wilson, who recently headlined Stagecoach, is the subject of Netflix's documentary Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool and is on a run of stadium shows with Chris Stapleton. Last year, Wilson hosted the 59th CMA Awards (the first solo female host since Reba McEntire in 1991) and released the deluxe version of Whirlwind, featuring her #1 single “Somewhere Over Laredo.” The 12x CMA, 16x ACM, Grammy winner and Grand Ole Opry member has earned nine #1s including “4x4xU" (2x Platinum), "Watermelon Moonshine” (3x Platinum) and “Heart Like A Truck” (4x Platinum). Moreover, Wilson has worked with artists such as Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton and Post Malone, acted in Paramount’s Yellowstone and Universal’s Reminders of Him, and launched her fifth collection with Wrangler, Golden West Boots and The Lainey Wilson Jewelry Collection.

“The courage, bravery, and heroism displayed in response to 9/11 is a reminder of who we are as Americans and the strength and compassion we show one another at our most difficult moments,” said Lainey Wilson. “I’m honored to lend my voice to this moment, and to recognize the first responders, families, and communities whose service and sacrifice continue to inspire us 25 years later.”

John Ondrasik is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter best known as the frontman of Five For Fighting and for his hit song “Superman (It’s Not Easy).” The song became closely associated with the aftermath of September 11 after Ondrasik performed it at the 2001 Concert for New York City at Madison Square Garden. For more than three decades, he has used his music to bring people together during moments of reflection and national significance.

"I am honored to perform ‘Superman' for this moment. Though a quarter century has passed, we will never forget the heroes who selflessly ran into the burning twin towers to save their fellow Americans,” said John Ondrasik. “Their courage, fortitude, and sacrifice will forever embody the very best of our nation.”

ABOUT THE 9/11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is dedicated to exploring 9/11, documenting its impact, and examining its continuing significance. This mission is advanced through commemoration, education, and inspiration. Located on eight of the 16 acres of the World Trade Center site, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum remembers and honors the 2,983 lives lost on September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993. Through exhibitions, a wide variety of programs, and commemorative events, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum seeks to educate the public – particularly the 100 million Americans born since the attacks or those too young to remember them – about the consequences of terrorism and its impact on individuals and communities. By preserving and sharing stories of resilience, compassion, and courage, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum hopes to inspire individuals to build a more compassionate and secure world.

MEDIA INQUIRIES

Garrett Levine | (954) 464-4015 | press@911memorial.org