By Michael Hernandez
WASHINGTON (AA) – Americans on Tuesday solemnly remembered the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that rocked the nation 17 years ago.
Nearly 3,000 Americans died that morning when planes hijacked by al-Qaeda slammed into the Pentagon in northern Virginia, and the World Trade Center in New York City. Passengers on a fourth plane successfully thwarted attackers before the aircraft slammed into a field in Pennsylvania.
That plane was likely headed for the White House or the Capitol building.
Bells tolled for the dead at the 9/11 Memorial in lower Manhattan, at the Flight 93 memorial in Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon.
U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania attended a memorial service in Shanksville, Pennsylvania where a 93-foot monument titled the “Tower of Voices ” was erected over the weekend for the slain passengers.
“In the field beyond this wall, and in the skies above our heads, we remember the moment when America fought back, ” Trump said, referring to those on board.
“We grieve together for every mother and father, sister and brother, son and daughter who was stolen from us at the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and here at this Pennsylvania field. We honor their sacrifice by pledging to never flinch in the face of evil and to do whatever it takes to keep America safe, ” he added.
Vice President Mike Pence attended a separate memorial service at the Pentagon while thousands gathered at the World Trade Center to collectively grieve.
