Hawaii marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks with ceremonies across the state, a somber but unifying day for families, veterans, and first responders.

• Federal and state officials held a remembrance ceremony at the Honolulu airport, where the attacks led to a fast overhaul of air security and the creation of the TSA.
• At least nine people with Hawaii ties died that day, in the World Trade Center, aboard United Flight 93, and at the Pentagon.
• A living memorial on Ford Island adds about 100 pairs of boots each year, requested by families to honor service members who died in connection with the post-9/11 wars.
• Service members and firefighters climbed the steep Koko Head trail to mirror what New York firefighters faced in the towers.
• For some in uniform, the attacks are still the reason they enlisted — one service member traced 18 years of service back to watching it happen in seventh grade.

Outlook: The memorials will return next year, with organizers hoping no new boots have to be added.