Tears have not dried up 9 years after 9/11

Image: Fire Fighter James Sorokac rings the bell at 8:46am, starting a moment of silence observing the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Centre, at the ninth anniversary remembrance of the attacks on New York and Washington, in New York
Photographs: Chip East/Reuters

Tears were unrelenting and silence swept through the air at Ground Zero, where nearly 3000 people lost their lives nine years ago in a dreadful terror attack.

Thousands of Americans turned up on the spot where once the majestic World Trade Centre towers stood tall to pay their respects to their beloved.

As he led them in remembering the victims of the 9/11 attacks, President Barack Obama reiterated that for the nation, this was a day of remembrance, a day of reflection, and a day of unity and renewal.

"They may seek to strike fear in us, but they are no match for our resilience. We do not succumb to fear, nor will we squander the optimism that has always defined us as a people. The perpetrators of this evil act didn't simply attack America; they attacked the very idea of America itself -- all that we stand for and represent in the world," he said.

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Tears have not dried up 9 years after 9/11

Photographs: Chip East/Reuters

Anna Sereno cries as she talks about her son Arturo Sereno, age 29, who was killed at the World Trade Centre.

Tears have not dried up 9 years after 9/11

Photographs: Chip East/Reuters

Victor Ortiz, 7, waits to hear the name of a grandmother he never met, Sonia Ortiz, who died while working at Windows on the World, the restaurant at the top of the World Trade Centre.

Tears have not dried up 9 years after 9/11

Photographs: Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters

The 'World Trade Centre flag' is unfurled before family and friends of victims as they gather to mark the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The 'World Trade Centre flag' is the only remaining US flag recovered on site after the attacks.

Tears have not dried up 9 years after 9/11

Photographs: Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters

Liza Adams wears a necklace with a portrait of her daughter, Mary Lou Hague, 26 killed during the 9/11 attacks.

Tears have not dried up 9 years after 9/11

Photographs: Larry Downing/Reuters

A visitor attends a Pentagon event marking the 9th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks

Tears have not dried up 9 years after 9/11

Photographs: Lucas Jackson/Reuters

A mourner arrives at Ground Zero during the ceremony marking the ninth anniversary of the September 11 attacks in New York on September 11

Tears have not dried up 9 years after 9/11

Photographs: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

US President Barack Obama and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff US Navy Admiral Michael Mullen observe a moment of silence during the ceremony

Tears have not dried up 9 years after 9/11

Photographs: Lucas Jackson/Reuters

A mourner arrives at Ground Zero during a ceremony marking the ninth anniversary of the September 11 attacks

Tears have not dried up 9 years after 9/11

Photographs: Lucas Jackson/Reuters

Mourners arrive at Ground Zero during the ceremony marking the ninth anniversary of the September 11 attacks

Tears have not dried up 9 years after 9/11

Photographs: Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters

Showkatara Sharif holds a picture of Shakila Yasmin and Nurul Miah, both victims of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre

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