9/11 Memorial Adds 7th Moment of Silence to Honor Illness-Related Deaths

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum announced it will permanently add a 7th moment of silence to the annual September 11 commemoration ceremony, specifically honoring those who have died from 9/11-related illnesses. The addition reflects the staggering growth of the illness death toll: over 9,000 people have now died from cancers, respiratory diseases, and other conditions linked to toxic dust exposure at Ground Zero — nearly three times the 2,977 killed on the day of the attacks. Cancer cases among WTC Health Program members have grown from approximately 3,200 in 2015 to over 53,000 in 2026, with deaths rising each year. The announcement was widely covered ahead of the 25th anniversary commemoration scheduled for September 11, 2026.