Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Tears, resolve on eighth anniversary of 9/11
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
Tears, resolve on eighth anniversary of 9/11
AFP - Saturday, September 12
NEW YORK (AFP) - - Bagpipes and drums sounded Friday across Ground Zero as the nation marked the eighth anniversary of the September 11 attacks in ceremonies led for the first time by US President Barack Obama.
ADVERTISEMENT
In New York, the melancholy music mingled with rain as the crowd of mourners, police, firefighters, servicemen and officials, including Vice President Joseph Biden, gathered at the annual ceremony.
Amid driving rain, Obama led a moment of silence at the White House at 8:46 am (1246 GMT), the instant the first of four planes, piloted by Al-Qaeda hijackers, slammed into the north tower of New York's World Trade Center.
"Let us renew our resolve against those who perpetrated this barbaric act and who plot against us still," Obama said at a later ceremony at the Pentagon military headquarters, which was also hit by a plane.
About 3,000 people died, including 2,752 in New York, on September 11, 2001, in the attacks which demolished both towers of the World Trade Center, and crashed into the Pentagon outside Washington, and a Pennsylvania field.
The attacks triggered then president George W. Bush's controversial invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan and a "war on terror" that Obama has inherited and is struggling to manage.
For a few hours, the increasingly rancorous debate over the mounting casualties and the military strategy was set aside as the country unified around the simple and moving ceremonies in New York and Washington.
Moments of silence were observed in New York to mark the impacts of each plane and the collapse of each tower, while the names of every victim were read out.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the day should also be remembered for the many who volunteered to help in the aftermath of the attack, including the 343 firefighters killed responding to the catastrophe.
"Their compassion and selfless acts are etched in our city's history," Bloomberg said.
As every year, relatives of the dead and other volunteers took turns to read the names of the dead in a ritual carried live on local television.
Many choked back tears as they went through the litany against a background of somber violin, guitar and flute music.
"This is not the rain, I'm sorry. This is tears," one man said, clutching a photograph of his lost relative, the rainy weather so different from that crisp, autumn day eight years ago.
At nightfall, powerful lights were to send two beams skyward from Ground Zero, which eight years later remains a vast hole, with only the first elements of foundations in place for new towers.
In a sign of how jittery the nation remains after the worst ever attack on its soil, a Coast Guard training exercise Friday on the Potomac River opposite the Pentagon triggered an immediate scare and anger.
The Coast Guard said it would review what happened, but added the best way to remember September 11 "is to be always ready and this requires constant training and exercise."
Obama meanwhile wrote in a letter published on the front page of the New York Daily News that "we are all New Yorkers," saying the attacks "will be forever seared in the consciousness of our nation."
"We will never forget the images of planes vanishing into buildings; of billowing smoke rolling down the streets of Manhattan; of photos hung by the families of the missing," Obama wrote.
But he also reminded increasingly skeptical Americans that US troops were in Afghanistan because the country had been the principal base for Al Qaeda prior to 9/11. The war there, he said, was meant "to take the fight to the extremists who attacked us."
The memorial at Ground Zero remains mired in building delays, while one planned for Shanksville, Pennsylvania, has been held up by political and design disagreements.
Shanksville is the site where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in an open field after passengers overwhelmed the hijackers, who are speculated to have been aiming the plane for the Capitol building in nearby Washington.
Meanwhile, prayer services and interfaith remembrances were scheduled throughout the day, with a candlelight "peace vigil" closing out the commemorations.
One US cable news network, MSNBC, marked the anniversary by replaying the terrifying minute-by-minute video of the first moments of the attacks when planes hit the world Trade Center.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: Obama's Presidency
Tears, resolve on eighth anniversary of 9/11AFP - Saturday, September 12
Obama leads US in tribute to victims of 9/11AFP - Saturday, September 12
Obama predicts health bill this yearAFP - Friday, September 11
Obama issues bold demand for health care actionAFP - Friday, September 11
Related Articles: World
Clarification: Russia-Gulag Required storyAP - Saturday, September 12
Flu season comes early; most are swine varietyAP - 2 hours 12 minutes ago
Ex-stepfather of slain girl sentenced in porn caseAP - Saturday, September 12
Federal deficit hits $1.38T through AugustAP - Saturday, September 12
AFL-CIO seeks more clout with new leadershipAP - Saturday, September 12
Enlarge Photo
Family members of September 11th attack victims pay their respects on September 11, 2009 at the Ground Zero reflecting pool during the 8th anniversary commemoration ceremony.
Related Full Coverage
Obama's Presidency
What change will Obama bring? Will it affect the rest of us globally?
All Full Coverage
Most Popular – World
Viewed
Britain apologises to WWII code-breaker hero
Remains of Jesus-era synagogue found in Israel
Greenspan says further financial crisis 'inevitable'
Storms delay Discovery landing: NASA
Giant statues reveal red hat secrets: study
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Saturday, 12 September 2009 EU, S.Africa urge Zimbabwe to make unity govt work
Motorola shares jump on hopes for Google phone
Iran leader issues stern warning to opposition
EU foreign policy chief seeks urgent Iran talks
| International
|
Top Pakistani, Indian diplomats to meet this month
| International
|
U.N. says brutal LRA attacks increasing in south Sudan
| International
|
US-TECH Summary
Motorola shares jump on hopes for Google phone
Zimbabwe sanctions dominate S.Africa-EU summit
US, Britain issue warnings over Afghan vote delay
Rioters set fires at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison
Israeli shoots 2 Palestinians in Jerusalem
| International
|
Rockets hit Israel from Lebanon, no casualties
| International
|
Rocket fire from Lebanon sparks Israel retaliation
Gunmen kill five Iraqi soldiers in drive-by
| International
|
Major powers call urgent nuclear talks with Iran
Suicide bomber kills one in Russia's Ingushetia
| International
|
Israel returns fire after rocket attack from Lebanon
Rockets hit Israel from Lebanon, no casualties
Microsoft $358 million damage award overturned
| Technology
|
Google plans new mirror for cheaper solar power
| Technology
|
Tears, resolve on eighth anniversary of 9/11
School closure most effective at start of swine flu outbreak: WHO
Indian boy thrown from train by police loses leg
Angry protests as Manila honours Imelda Marcos
Darfur refugee says US envoy unwelcome to camps
Semenya's family angered by hermaphrodite report
Chaplain may be fired for carrying inmate letters
Extinct New Zealand eagle may have eaten humans
Swede held in Pakistan on terror links
Remains of Jesus-era synagogue found in Israel
Activist slain outside school; 2nd man also killed
Intercepted Coast Guard message led to confusion
Thousands of Maoist supporters protest in Nepal
AP NewsAlert
July wholesale figures point to economic growth
China opposes Dalai Lama trip to disputed India state
White House defends Sept 11 training exercise
Partygoer steals a cop car in New Mexico
Australia overtakes US as biggest polluter: report
9/11 marked with mourning and a spirit of service
Hartford mayor pleads not guilty to extortion
Challenger demands investigation of Afghan vote
China's economic recovery gathers momentum
VW announces Chinese investment offensive
JAL seeking capital tie-up with Delta: reports
Jackson buried with glove, pearls and shades
| Entertainment
|
Reports: Japan Airlines mulling tie-up with Delta
Dramas face tough time at Toronto festival
| Entertainment
|
India industrial output jumps for seventh month
Photographer Leibovitz reaches deal with lender
| Entertainment
|
Iranian street protests hit big screen in Venice
| Entertainment
|
Organizers cancel Jackson Vienna tribute concert
Dramas face tough time at Toronto festival
Tom Ford's 'A Single Man' wins Queer Golden Lion at Venice
Centenarians in Japan top 40,000 mark
Want to buy Manhattan? 24 dollars will do -- or did
Singapore lifts ban on film about opposition politician
Auction to test Asian art market health
Bull-lovers skewer British matador's memoirs
Jackson tribute postponed to London 2010
Tom Ford movie presented at Venice Film Festival
Obama faces skeptics in Congress over Afghan war
EU mission in Kosovo, Belgrade sign police accord
US-TECH Summary
South Korea says supports U.S. talks with North
| International
|
Space shuttle Discovery lands safely in California
CORRECTED: Google plans new mirror for cheaper solar power
One shot enough against swine flu, US studies confirm
Rockets hit Israel from Lebanon, no casualties
Google's search box gets bigger
Archaeologists find early depiction of a menorah
China sentences suspects in far-west needle scare
| International
|
Hacker pleads guilty in massive credit card theft
Gunmen kill five Iraqi soldiers in drive-by
Twitter opening up to advertising
Israel returns fire after rocket attack from Lebanon
Microsoft $358 million damage award overturned
U.S. drafts U.N. resolution urging nuclear disarmament
| International
|
Chavez says buying Russian short-range missiles
| International
|
Spanish security firm detects 'swine flu' computer virus
Indian forces fire on Pakistan border: Pakistan
| International
|
US videogame sales down for sixth month in a row
Colombian donkey bombs kill drug crop eradicators
| International
|
Mark Viduka to return to Australia: reports
British community tensions flare in mosque stand-off
Activists file lawsuit over right to protest G20
South Korea says supports U.S. talks with North
Census Bureau severs ties with ACORN in 2010 count
DA responds to OJ's appeal to state Supreme Court
In shift, US offers to talk directly to NKorea
Biden lobbies China's Wu on Iran nuclear issue
White House stiffens against illegal immigrants
Some Guantanamo Uighurs could go to Palau in October
Washington Post marketing executive resigns
Raina, Dhoni help India enter tri-series final
Appeals court dismisses Abu Ghraib lawsuit
Thai 'Yellow Shirt' founder wins jail appeal: statement
Indonesia detains 56 Afghan migrants: navy official
Federal judge in Mass. drops Sullivan's pot charge
Arizona driver dons monkey masks to elude tickets
Lauren Bacall to get honorary Oscar
US slaps punitive tariffs on Chinese tires
China, Costa Rica make progress in free trade talks
Garrison Keillor out of hospital after stroke
AFI revs up its rock sound on "Crash Love"
AP Source: Delta considers ties to Japan Airlines
Multi-million dollar Warhol collection stolen in LA
India industrial output jumps for seventh month
Warhol's sport superstar art stolen from LA home
India's Jet Airways in talks to end 'sick leave' strike
Tancharoen brings old-school touch to new "Fame"
VW announces Chinese investment offensive
Importers urge EU to end dumping tax on Chinese shoes
Bare bellies make a comeback at NY Fashion Week
Andy Warhol art worth millions stolen in L.A.
'M*A*S*H' TV show writer Larry Gelbart dead at 81
Tancharoen brings old-school touch to new Fame
| Entertainment
|
Elvis Costello opens archives for live releases
M*A*S*H TV show writer Larry Gelbart dead at 81
| Entertainment
|
Cameron Diaz joins Boston Celtics at 9/11 event
Two wounded in ambush near Indonesia mine: police
Andy Warhol art worth millions stolen in L.A.
| Entertainment
|
AFI revs up its rock sound on Crash Love
| Entertainment
|
Pierre Cossette father of Grammys dies at 85
| Entertainment
|
Lauren Bacall to get honorary Oscar
| Entertainment
|
Elvis Costello opens archives for live releases
| Entertainment
|
Up to 22 civilians killed in Afghan attacks
Britain's military training Libyan forces: reports
Vedanta ups offer for Asarco, now up to US judge
Attacks kill dozens as Afghans await poll results
| International
|
Three killed in car bomb attack in Baghdad
Israel warns Lebanon on rockets but sees calm for now
Wells Fargo probing Malibu mansion parties
Iran signals no compromise on nuclear issue
| International
|
Iran ready to negotiate nuclear proposals: Mottaki
Clooney to help Damon regain 'sexiest man alive' title
Mugabe welcomes EU delegation with open arms
| International
|
Afghan officials to announce 99 pcnt of vote count
7 Afghan police killed in Taliban raid: official
Pakistan kills 22 militants in Khyber
| International
|
Israel warns Lebanon on rockets but sees calm for now
| International
|
Afghan journalist's body 'left behind under heavy fire'
Iraq cabinet approves draft elections law
| International
|
Cuba revolution commander Juan Almeida dies at 82
| International
|
Ugandan capital calm after 14 killed in riots
| International
|
Obama urges action on health care reform
Skype founders' Joost ousts chairman Mike Volpi
| Technology
|
Obama to attend health care rally
Philippine floods, landslides leave 11 dead
Voices in the health care debate
Rebels kill 4 soldiers in northeast India
Biden to attend LA service for fallen firefighters
Health care bills face crucial tests in Congress
Muslim killed, burned in Thailand's restive south
1 child dead, 1 injured in Long Beach hit-and-run
Chinese hurdler Liu to launch comeback
48 Taliban, Afghan civilians, security forces die
Calif. debates high standard for renewable energy
US penalizes Chinese tires, infuriating Beijing
China jails Xinjiang syringe attacker: report
Taiwan media split on Chen conviction
SKorea not opposed to US-NKorea direct talks
Gunmen fire at bus, hurt 2 at US mine in Indonesia
Report: JAL in tie-up talks with Air France-KLM
Pakistan c.bank buys 36.85 bln rupees of govt paper
China strongly opposes tire tariffs imposed by US
China says it strongly opposes Obama tire tariffs
China "strongly opposes" Obama tire tariffs
Venice film festival race seen wide open
| Entertainment
|
Stallone, Willis, Schwarzenegger form dream team
| Entertainment
|
Binoche leaps 'into the unknown' with art, dance
Russian city hunts for purged German roots
Ex-addicts give tours of Dutch city's dark underbelly
Andrews on Oprah: She thought her career was over
Suharto clan in political comeback
Pierre Cossette "father of Grammys" dies at 85
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights