Joe Biden joined former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton at a memorial event in New York City, 20 years to the day since the Twin Towers fell.
The anniversary arrives under the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic and the US withdrawal from Afghanistan – now ruled by the same militants who gave safe haven to the 9/11 plotters.
The US attacks killed nearly 3,000 people and marked the start of a new era of fear, war, politics, patriotism and tragedy.
A tolling bell marked the 20th anniversary of the exact moment the deadliest US terror attack began Credit: AP
In a video released on Friday night, Mr Biden mourned the ongoing losses of 9/11.
“Children have grown up without parents, and parents have suffered without children,” said Mr Biden, whose childhood friend is the father of a September 11 victim, Davis Grier Sezna Jr.
But the president also underlined what he called the “central lesson” of September 11: “That at our most vulnerable … unity is our greatest strength.”
A mourner wipes tears from her eyes as she stands at the September 11 memorial Credit: APPeople tie ribbons to the fence at St Paul’s Chapel near the National September 11 Memorial and Museum Credit: APFormer US president Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden and ex-New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg. Credit: Pool/APGermano Riveira carries the flag of honour around the North Reflecting Pool during ceremonies Credit: APMelinda Moran and Haydee Lillo embrace after finding out they lost people who knew each other, next to the North Reflecting Pool Credit: APBruce Springsteen performs during the commemoration Credit: APIt was a day of sadness and reflection for people across the world Credit: APA bell is rung during a moment of silence Credit: APFormer New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, whose leadership was praised during the events of 9/11, was among those paying their respects Credit: APUS president Joe Biden at the ceremony Credit: APNearly 3,000 people died in the attacks, mainly in the World Trade Centre’s Twin Towers Credit: APThe attacks ushered in a new era of fear, global conflict, increased powers for government and a changing sense of patriotic fervour. Credit: APFormer president Bill Clinton and former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton. Credit: APA US flag is placed on a name inscribed on the National September 11 Memorial – a day never to be forgotten Credit: AP
