New Delhi: US President Joe Biden on Sunday offered tribute to the victims of the deadly 9/11 terror attack carried out by Al-Qaeda terrorists as he recalled America’s united response to the attack during a remembrance event at the Pentagon. “In the midst of the dark days following September 11th, we found a true sense of national unity,” Biden said on Sunday.
“Twenty-one years later, we keep alive the memory of all the precious lives stolen from us at Ground Zero, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon. To the families and loved ones who still feel the ache, Jill and I hold you close in our hearts. We will never forget,” the President added.
Twenty-one years later, we keep alive the memory of all the precious lives stolen from us at Ground Zero, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon. To the families and loved ones who still feel the ache, Jill and I hold you close in our hearts.
We will never forget. pic.twitter.com/IZlAmyone2
— President Biden (@POTUS) September 11, 2022
The President also honoured the police officers and firefighters, the passengers on Flight 93, and the civilians and service members who all leaped into action on that fateful day. “And, we honour the young men and women who joined the thousands of American troops who served around the world to protect our nation,” Biden added.
We honor the police officers and firefighters, the passengers on Flight 93, and the civilians and service members who all leaped into action.
And, we honor the young men and women who joined the thousands of American troops who served around the world to protect our nation. pic.twitter.com/KwnHOfTdeq
— President Biden (@POTUS) September 11, 2022
Vice-president Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff attended a ceremony in in New York City.
“We will never forget the 2,977 lives lost on 9/11. Today standing at Ground Zero, I am reminded of the impact this attack had on our nation and those who lost loved ones. Doug and I stand with you today and every day,” US vice-president tweeted.
Around 3,000 people were killed in an attack by Al-Qaeda hijackers who flew planes into New York’s World Trade Center towers and into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, while a fourth plane crashed in Pennsylvania.
While passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 overpowered the hijackers that led the plane crashed in a field averting another target from being hit.
The US-led war in Afghanistan came to an end last year that lasted two decades to root out the al Qaeda militant group who instrumented the 9/11 attacks after plotting them from Afghanistan.
On September 10, 2021, Biden proclaimed September 11 as Patriot and National Day of Service and Remembrance and noted that on this day, all government entities should display the US flag at half-staff.
The chaotic withdrawal of US troops and the deterioration of the country’s affairs because of the Taliban government drew criticism from members of both political parties.