Today the United States is solemnly marking the 22nd Anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks that shook the nation to its core, leaving nearly 3,000 people dead. This tragic event reshaped American foreign policy and united the country in grief and resilience.
President Joe Biden is set to deliver a heartfelt address at a military base in Alaska (Anchorage) dedicated to the brave members of the military, first responders, and victim’s families. This commemorative event is part of his journey back from an overseas trip, where he attended the G20 summit in India and met with leaders in Vietnam.
Although this year’s September 11th Anniversary does not witness a president visiting the crash sites in New York, Pennsylvania, or the Pentagon, it has historical precedent. In 2005, President George W. Bush held an observance on the White House lawn, while in 2015, President Barack Obama participated in a moment of silence at the White House before attending an event honoring the military at Fort Meade.
Vice President Kamala Harris is due to attend a poignant ceremony at the National September 11th Memorial and Museum in New York. Meanwhile, her husband, Doug Emhoff, will pay tribute in Pennsylvania Shanksville, where a hijacked plane crashed into a field after brave passengers fought their attackers. Commemorations are taking place nationwide, from the attack sites in New York, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to far-flung locations like Alaska.
First Lady Jill Biden, Lloyd Austin Defense Secretary, Joint Chief of Staff Chairman Gen, and Mark Milley will appear at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in a wreath-laying ceremony. This site holds particular significance as it was the target of a terrorist attack when a hijacked plane crashed into the U.S. Defense Department headquarters.
September 11th is now federally recognized as a National Day of Service and Remembrance in the United States. It aims to transform a day of tragedy into unity and goodwill, honoring the memories of the victims and those who responded heroically to the terror attacks.
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