Twenty-three years later, the ritual still exists.

On Wednesday, as is done every year, the names of the 2,983 men, women and children who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing were read out by family members at a ceremony in Lower Manhattan.

Close loved ones, young and old, were joined by various dignitaries, including President Joe Biden and notably Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, who exchanged brief pleasantries.

The day is not intended for politics or speeches, but for remembrance: a day to honor the fallen.

“This ceremony is essential,” said one speaker. “Because he disappeared that day, but when I come here and I say his name out loud and you hear his name, he will never, ever disappear.”

For many, the grief remains painful, even though an entire generation has now been born and raised with little to no memory of the events of that day or of their lost family members.

“I’m 12 years old, so I’ve never met my uncle Kenny. But I feel like I know him from my parents, grandparents and relatives,” said one young speaker.

“Dad, we’ve only been together for six years, but I have only the happiest memories. And every day I remember how lucky and proud I am to be your daughter,” another speaker added.

There are traditions: the ringing of bells, moments of silence and another now common ritual: family members leaving flags, flowers and other mementos on the panels surrounding the two pools of the 9/11 Memorial.

A theme that is common now among younger family members is the bond they feel with lost relatives they never met, but often try to emulate.

“My grandfather, Edward Calderon. Dad, I never met you. But from the stories I’ve heard, I feel like you’re my best friend,” one speaker said.

“As I follow in your footsteps, hoping to become a firefighter like you, I can’t wait to get closer to you than ever,” another added. “We all miss you so much. We love you.”

At sunset, the Tribute in Light begins, with two blue beams of light reaching up to four miles into the sky, marking the location where the Twin Towers once stood. The lights will remain on until sunrise on Thursday.