U.S. Honors 9/11 Victims at Pentagon and Pennsylvania Crash Site Ceremonies

NEW YORK — The United States paused to remember those lost and forever changed by the events of September 11, 2001, during a poignant anniversary ceremony at ground zero. President Joe Biden, former President Donald Trump, and Vice President Kamala Harris came together on Wednesday, a moment steeped in the weight of history and political significance. This year, the anniversary occurs amidst the backdrop of an ongoing presidential campaign, making it especially notable.

The solemn date marks 23 years since coordinated terrorist attacks claimed nearly 3,000 lives, and it arrives at a pivotal moment in the election cycle. The remembrance event saw Biden and Harris arrive about a half-hour after Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance, who appeared at the World Trade Center site shortly after 8 a.m.

Upon their arrival, Trump and Vance interacted with attendees, posing for photographs. Shortly thereafter, Biden and Harris arrived to cheers from the crowd. A handshake between Biden and Trump was facilitated by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and the notable rivals positioned themselves only a few feet apart as the ceremony commenced. The observance featured the tolling of a bell, followed by a moment of silence.

For victims’ families like Cathy Naughton, who honors her cousin, firefighter Michael Roberts, the anniversary remains an intensely emotional time. “It’s just so raw,” she reflected, emphasizing the importance of remembering those lost and hearing their names spoken. “Every year, it just doesn’t get easier,” she added, capturing a common sentiment among attendees.

Despite the political environment, organizers of the memorial ceremonies have traditionally focused the attention on the victims themselves. Over the years, the events have tended to prioritize the voices of the families over the political presence, allowing them to read names and share memories. Korryn Bishop, who lost her cousin John F. McDowell Jr., expressed concern over political motivations, stating, “If they’re just here for political clout, that upsets me.”

As this year marks the last September 11 observance of Biden’s presidency, he and Harris planned to visit additional memorials in Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon later in the day. Trump was scheduled to attend the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. At 2 p.m. EDT, Biden and Harris were expected to lay a wreath at the Flight 93 crash site, a location where brave crew members and passengers fought back against the hijackers.

The tragic events of that day resulted in the deaths of 2,977 people, deeply impacting countless families and reshaping the landscape of U.S. security and foreign policy. The attacks galvanized a global response, leading to conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, which have had lasting ramifications worldwide.

Communities have since created various remembrance traditions, including laying wreaths and displaying flags, along with volunteer projects to honor the anniversary. Congress designates September 11 as both Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

In the initial years following the attacks, ceremonies included readings from notable texts by political figures. However, in 2012, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum determined to allow only families to read the names of victims, a decision still upheld today under Bloomberg’s tenure as board chairman. That change brought a shift in focus toward personal tributes rather than political speeches.

While politicians often attend the memorials, their participation can sometimes intertwine with the complexities of electoral politics. For instance, in 2016, Hillary Clinton, then a presidential candidate, faced scrutiny when she left a similar ceremony abruptly due to health concerns, drawing national attention amid a tense electoral climate.

The underlying pain of losing loved ones is still present, and some family members take this opportunity to address current issues facing the nation. While many choose to focus on remembrance, others may express concerns about division or the actions of elected officials.

This year’s observance highlighted the importance of honoring the memories of those who were lost and the enduring impacts of September 11 on American society, particularly for those who continue to mourn their loved ones.

Source: Associated Press