President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden were joined by former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, and former First Ladies Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton at a ceremony in New York City commemorating the 20th anniversary of the deadly 9/11 attacks.
A moment of silence was held at 8:46 a.m. – twenty years to the minute of the attack when American Airlines flight 11 crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center.
Over nearly four hours, the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the terrorist attacks were honored as family members read their names aloud.
Following the ceremony, Biden and the first lady traveled to Shanksville, Pa., and then on to the Pentagon.
We never forget.
We never forget the children who have grown up without parents. Parents who have suffered without children. Husbands and wives who had to find a way forward without their partners. Brothers, sisters, loved ones.
Jill and I hold you close in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/ydppFkpV4y
— President Biden (@POTUS) September 11, 2021
20 years after September 11, 2001, we commemorate the 2,977 lives we lost and honor those who risked and gave their lives. As we saw in the days that followed, unity is our greatest strength. It’s what makes us who we are — and we can’t forget that. pic.twitter.com/WysK8m3LAb
— President Biden (@POTUS) September 10, 2021
#WeRemember911 pic.twitter.com/1yPHHl8Nmv
— Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) September 11, 2021
Today we honor the nearly 3,000 men, women, and children who died on September 11, 2001, and the heroes who have always run towards danger to do what’s right. Let’s never forget that day, and let’s never take them for granted. pic.twitter.com/VkN11wZAMh
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 11, 2021
America will never forget those who lost their lives, those who risked or gave their own lives to save others, and those whose lives were forever changed 20 years ago. We owe it to all of them to come together again with unity, hope, compassion, and resolve.
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) September 11, 2021
Former President George W. Bush was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania reports the New York Times.
On the 20th anniversary of 9/11, we must challenge ourselves to look back—for the sake of our children and theirs. We must also look toward the future. Because in the end, that's what the 40 passengers and crew members of Flight 93 were fighting for: Their future, and ours. pic.twitter.com/eMLKFvJAfQ
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) September 11, 2021
Recalling that time of American unity in 2001 compared to the divisiveness of the today’s politics, Bush said, “When it comes to the unity of America, those days seem distant from our own.”
Former Pres. George Bush: “There is little cultural overlap between violent extremists abroad and those at home. In their disdain, in their disregard for human life…they are children of the same foul spirit” pic.twitter.com/40OWhJ4lXD
— CBS News (@CBSNews) September 11, 2021
Other than the elderly Jimmy Carter, the only living president absent from the ceremonies today was Donald Trump.
CBS News reports Trump will be providing commentary on a boxing match between former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield and former UFC light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort.