- To mark this solemn anniversary, residents gathered for memorials and ceremonies all across the state, including the Waterfront Memorial in Jersey City, where the view alone brings memories from the events of that day rushing back.

The site served as a triage center following the attacks where first responders provided care to people who fled from lower Manhattan.

But today's event also served as a call to action through a community blood drive.

Organizers say it's a way to honor lives lost by helping save lives today.

Raven Santana was there for the ceremony and spoke with those who came to reflect.

(upbeat music) - With the World Trade Center rising across the Hudson River, the Jersey City community gathered today at its 9/11 Memorial.

The sculpture, Twisted Steel, Salvage from Ground Zero, stands on the very ground where first responders once set up a triage center to care for those escaping lower Manhattan.

I followed a column of smoke and saw what had happened.

At the time I was on a FEMA style urban search and rescue team and after I witnessed what I did, I knew we were going to be mobilized and I responded to the New Jersey State Police urban search and rescue team New Jersey Task Force 1 and then we mobilized and within hours we were operating at ground zero for 10 days.

Mayor Stephen Fulop joined city leaders, police, firefighters and community members to honor the 39 Jersey City residents who never made it home.

I was in lower Manhattan when the buildings were struck and it caused me to enlist in the Marine Corps.

I left my job at Coleman Sachs to serve the country.

Everybody who lived in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut knows somebody that's personally impacted.

Family and friends were seen throwing wreaths and flowers into the Hudson River during the annual memorial ceremonies.

People I spoke with say showing up each year is about making sure their memory lives on.

"Still emotional.

It's PTSD.

No other way around it.

I saw the building burning on fire."

Here at the Hyatt Regency, just steps away from the memorial.

The focus shifted from remembering the past to focusing on saving lives today at the annual 9/11 blood drive sponsored by the American Red Cross.

We're on our way to the memorial.

Live in the 9th.

I'm Laura Huffman.

For more on the 9/11 blood drive, head to our website WTRF.com.

There are hundreds of donors rolled up their sleeves for a good cause.

"We've got more than 200 appointments made today, so our team here will be very busy.

This is our 11th year, and it's sponsored by Suburban Propane, and all together we offer the opportunity for people to give back, donate blood, time to reflect, remember the people that lost their lives, as well as those who rushed in to help save people.

The first responders here in Jersey City played a vital role in helping those that were affected by the attacks.

I remember how the streets of Jersey seemed like so vacant.

I remember trying to, I was with, they assigned me to the secondary hazmat unit.

The blood drive has become its own tradition, bringing together first responders, survivors and community members.

Donors say it's not just about saving lives, but about reflecting on the unity and resilience that carried people through September 11th.

I mean, today, September 11th, being able to see the lights and the memorial and looking at, you know, one World Trade Center every day.

It's just I mean, there's a constant reminder there that it used to be different.

Soochong Steve Wong.

And here in Jersey City, nearly 25 years later, the message remains the same.

We will never forget.

For NJ Spotlight News, I'm Raven Santana.

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