Americans across the country have taken to sharing inspiring messages and iconic images on social media as they memorialize the lives lost in the terror attacks, often accompanied by the words “never forget.”President Obama’s message was also one of remembrance when he delivered remarks to survivors and victims’ families outside the Pentagon on the anniversary of 9/11”. He quoted Scripture: “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you. They remain in our hearts today”, Obama said.
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Emphasizing on the threat of terrorism still looming large over America, and the world at large, Obama said, “Groups like al-Qaida and ISIL know that they will never be able to defeat US. Our solemn duty on behalf of all those who perished that September day 15 years ago, is to work together as one nation to keep all of our people safe from an enemy that seeks nothing less than to destroy our way of life”, Trump noted.
The ceremony started at 8:46 local time, marking the moment when the first plane hit the north tower of the World Trade Center.
“Our diversity, our patchwork heritage, is not a weakness”.
Tom Acquaviva, who lost his son, Paul Acquaviva, said, “It doesn’t get easier”.
New York Giants wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz, among others, joined Williamson.
While the vast majority of 2,983 victims were Americans, there were 372 foreign nationals from 61 countries among those killed, including 24 Canadians.
Obama also commended the USA military and American diplomats for their fight against al-Qaeda, which claimed responsibility for the September 11 attacks. The nation’s top general asked servicemembers to remember the reason their fallen brothers and sisters served – because of their belief in the United States of America. We come together in prayer and in gratitude for the strength that has fortified us across these 15 years.
This year’s ceremonies have been overshadowed by a controversial bill by Congress that allows relatives of the victims to sue Saudi Arabia for compensation.
The moment of silence was originally slotted to take place at 9:37 AM – the time at which the Pentagon was attacked on September 11 – but ended up taking place a few minutes early.
Incident occurred at Pentagon memorial service Sunday.
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican rival Donald Trump both were at the anniversary ceremony at the World Trade Centre.
Organisers planned some additional music and readings on Sunday to mark the milestone year. We thank the first responders who risked everything to save others.
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Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford attended the ceremony at the Pentagon, where more than 180 people were killed after al-Qaeda terrorists crashed a jetliner into the building during the string of attacks.
