America falls silent to mark 19th anniversary of 9/11 attacks as coronavirus pandemic alters traditions

Imogen Braddick11 September 2020

Americans have fallen silent to remember the 3,000 people who died in 9/11, as the world marks the 19th anniversary of the attacks.

Donald Trump and Joe Biden are both scheduled to visit the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennyslvania, where a hijacked plane crashed into a field after an intervention by passengers.

The presidential rivals will not cross paths, with Mr Biden visiting in the afternoon after attending the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s annual commemoration at Ground Zero in New York, along with Vice President Mike Pence.

Pictures show Mr Trump and Mr Biden observing a moment of silence in separate locations at 8.46am, marking the time the first plane hit the World Trade Center 19 years ago.

Trump and Melania observe a moment of silence
AFP via Getty Images

Vowing to never forget the nearly 3,000 people who died during the terror attack, Mr Trump tweeted that the United States is honouring a commitment made in 2001 to always remember the “innocent Americans who were senselessly killed”.

In New York, victims’ relatives began gathering for split-screen remembrances – one at the September 11 memorial plaza at the World Trade Centre and another on a nearby corner, set up by a separate 9/11-related organisation.

Joe Biden and his wife Jill
AFP via Getty Images

The Stephen Siller Tunnels to Towers Foundation objected to the memorial’s decision to forgo a longstanding tradition of having relatives read the names of the dead, often adding poignant tributes.

Almost two decades after the attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon, Americans are marking the disaster in the midst of another unfolding tragedy.

Memorial leaders said the change for the 19th anniversary of the terror attacks was a coronavirus safety precaution.

Mourners pause during a moment of silence
AP

Kathy Swift arrived early at the alternative ceremony, wearing a T-shirt honouring her killed brother, Thomas Swift, who worked in finance.

"We still have to remember,” she said.

"The whole country’s going downhill. It’s one thing after another, and now with the Covid. I’m glad they’re still having this, though."

Leaders in the UK have also paid tribute to those who died on "America's darkest of days".

"Today we remember all those who died, those who survived, and those who continue to grieve America’s darkest of days," Boris Johnson said.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "The terrorist atrocities of 9/11 were an attack on our freedom and democracy, as well as one of our closest allies.

"Today we remember all those who lost their lives and those affected by that dreadful day. We will always stand with you against extremism and hate."

London mayor Sadiq Khan wrote on Twitter: "Today we stand united with our American friends in remembrance of the innocent people who lost their lives on 9/11, including British citizens and many victims with close ties to London.

"My thoughts are with all who continue to suffer pain or loss from that atrocious attack."

9/11 Memorial 2020 - In pictures

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