Obama, Harper Remember September 11 Victims
Posted September 11, 2010 10:26 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Huge crowds gathered in New York City and across the U.S Saturday to mark the ninth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks.
In Manhattan, a ceremony begun at precisely 8:46am, at Ground Zero. This marks the exact time the first plane struck the first World Trade Centre tower.
U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden, along with Mayor Michael Bloomberg joined in services honouring the victims of the World trade Centre attacks.
“No other public tragedy has touched our city so deeply,” said Bloomberg.
President Barack Obama attended a ceremony honouring those lost during the attack on the Pentagon.
“We pause to remember the victims, to grieve with the families and friends of those who died, and to honour the heroes of that day and each day since who have sacrificed to save lives and serve their country,” he said in a statement.
A fourth plane, believed to be headed for the White House, crashed in a field 120 kilometres southeast of Pittsburgh after the passengers confronted the hijackers on board.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper also joined in remembering those lost.
“The tragic events of Sept. 11 remain fresh and clear in all of our hearts and minds. The memory of that day continues to evoke horror and sorrow in all Canadians, despite the passing of nearly a decade.”
Despite the ceremonies and remembrance, the September 11 anniversary has been filled with tension.
Debate over the proposed Islamic centre at ground zero has sparked outrage and controversy.
And earlier this week, Florida pastor Terry Jones was planning to publicly burn copies of the Muslim holy book, the Qur’an to mark the anniversary. Only on Thursday did Jones say he would call off the burning on exchange for a meeting with the organizers of the Islamic centre.
