At 8:45 a.m., President Obama will observe a moment of silence to mark the 13th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Joined by First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, the president will observe the moment a plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center from the South Lawn of the White House. He will then travel to the Pentagon Memorial for an observance ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Both the moment of silence and ceremony will be live streamed.
“America will never forget the September tragedy that shook our Nation’s core 13 years ago,” Obama said in a statement proclaiming today Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance. “On a day that began like so many others, a clear blue sky was pierced by billowing black smoke as a wave of grief crashed over us. But in one of our darkest moments, we summoned strength and courage, and out of horrible devastation emerged the best of our humanity. On this solemn anniversary, we pause in remembrance, in reflection, and once again in unity.”
