New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has confirmed he will attend this week's New York 9/11 Ceremony to honor the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. His attendance comes after former mayor Rudy Giuliani said Mamdani should not take part in the annual memorial event. The ceremony marks 25 years since the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. Families of victims, survivors, first responders, and public leaders gather every year to remember the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Mamdani said the day should remain focused on the victims and the people who risked their lives during the attacks. He said he will attend several remembrance events across the city, including the main memorial service on Friday. The mayor said he is proud to serve New York City and wants the anniversary to unite people in remembrance. He said the priority is to honor the families who continue to live with the loss of loved ones and recognize the work of emergency responders. Mamdani also attended remembrance events last year before becoming mayor. This year's visit will be his first as the city's leader. Giuliani, who served as mayor during the attacks in 2001, also plans to attend the ceremony. He recently said Mamdani should stay away because of his Muslim faith. Giuliani made the remarks during a television interview over the weekend. The former mayor said attending the event would offend families who lost loved ones during the attacks. He also made claims linking Mamdani's religion to the extremists who carried out the attacks. Mamdani's office did not respond directly to Giuliani's comments. Instead, the mayor continued to speak about remembrance and public service. The September 11 attacks happened when hijacked passenger planes struck the Twin Towers in lower Manhattan. The attacks destroyed the World Trade Center and changed the city forever. Another plane hit the Pentagon, and a fourth crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers fought back against the hijackers. Today, the former World Trade Center site is home to two large reflecting pools built where the towers once stood. Waterfalls flow into the pools, and the names of every victim are carved into the memorial. Each year, family members and survivors read the names of those who died during a solemn ceremony. The event includes moments of silence that match the timeline of the attacks. Last week, Mamdani signed an executive order making September 11 an official annual Day of Remembrance and Service in New York City. The order requires city agencies to observe a moment of silence and remember everyone affected by the attacks. The mayor also announced a second executive order to create a new emergency preparedness task force. The group will review how the city can improve its response to future emergencies and disasters. Mamdani has spoken in the past about the impact of September 11 on Muslim Americans. He said many Muslims experienced prejudice after the attacks and faced years of discrimination. He has described the attacks as a tragedy that affected every New Yorker while also changing the lives of many Muslim families across the country. Giuliani remains one of the most recognized public figures connected to the events of September 11 because he led New York City during the attacks. He later became a national political figure and a close ally of former President Donald Trump. Several public figures have questioned Mamdani's attendance at this year's memorial. Former New York Governor George Pataki is among those who have expressed opposition. An online petition calling for Mamdani to skip the event has collected nearly 100,000 signatures. Despite the criticism, city officials have continued planning for the annual remembrance ceremony without changes to the guest list. Many national leaders are expected to attend this year's anniversary. Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama are expected to join the memorial events in New York City. Vice President JD Vance is expected to represent the White House at the New York ceremony. Former President Donald Trump is expected to mark the anniversary at the Pentagon memorial near Washington, D.C., instead of attending the New York event. The New York 9/11 Ceremony remains one of the city's most important annual events. It brings together families, survivors, emergency workers, and leaders from across the United States to remember the lives lost and honor the lasting spirit of those affected by the attacks.