NEW YORK (AP) – Americans commemorated 9/11 with solemn ceremonies and vows Wednesday to “never forget” 18 years after the deadliest terror attack on American soil.
Victims’ relatives assembled at ground zero, where the observance began with a moment of silence and the tolling of bells at 8:46 a.m. – the exact time a hijacked plane slammed into the World Trade Center’s north tower.
“As long as the city will gift us this moment, I will be here,” Margie Miller, who lost her husband, Joel, said at the ceremony, which she attends every year. “I want people to remember.”
After so many years of anniversaries, she has come to know other victims’ relatives and to appreciate being with them.
18 years ago, our nation fell victim to an unthinkable act of terrorism. While we lost much on that day, we did not lose our character as a country. Out of the rubble of tragedy, Americans stood united. We will never forget #September11th & the strength of our nation. pic.twitter.com/M83ZaRTiUP