Washington – Americans on Thursday marked the 13th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, as President Barack Obama vowed that the nation would never “give in to fear.”
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Somber ceremonies of remembrance were held in New York and Washington, against the backdrop of Obama’s pledge to “destroy” Islamic State fighters in Iraq and Syria — a new front in the war on radical Islam begun in earnest 13 years ago.
“As Americans, we draw strength from you, for your love is the ultimate rebuke to the hatred of those who attacked us that bright, blue morning,” Obama said to relatives of victims at the Pentagon — scene of one of the 9/11 strikes.
“You’ve kept alive a love that no act of terror can ever extinguish,” he said.
“We carry on because as Americans, we do not give in to fear. Ever.”
Obama, his wife Michelle and Vice President Joe Biden earlier observed a moment of silence on the White House south lawn, along with about 300 staffers. Flags in Washington flew at half-mast.
At the Pentagon, Obama honored the more than 6,800 troops who have lost their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq since 2001, noting that US forces would be wrapping up their combat mission in Afghanistan by the end of the year.
“Today, we honor all who have made the ultimate sacrifice these 13 years,” he said, after laying a wreath at the spot where American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon.
“We give thanks to those who served in harm’s way to keep our country safe and meet the threats of our time.”