‘You’re always in my heart’: US marks 21st anniversary of 9/11 terror attacks
- Commemoration at ground zero in New York begins as Americans remember September 11 with readings of victims’ names, volunteer work and other tributes
- Victims’ relatives and dignitaries also convene at two other attack sites, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania, as others take part in candlelight vigils, interfaith services
A tolling bell and a moment of silence began the commemoration at ground zero in New York, where the World Trade Center’s twin towers were destroyed by the hijacked-plane attacks of September 11, 2001. Victims’ relatives and dignitaries also convened at the two other attack sites, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania.
Firefighter Jimmy Riches’ namesake nephew wasn’t born yet when his uncle died, but the boy took the podium to pay tribute to him.
“You’re always in my heart. And I know you are watching over me,” he said after reading a portion of the nearly 3,000 victims’ names.
Nikita Shah headed to the ceremony at ground in a T-shirt that bore the de facto epigraph of the annual commemoration — “never forget” — and the name of her slain father, Jayesh Shah. The family moved to Houston afterward but has often returned to New York for the anniversary of the attack.