Unity and Reflection: The 9/11 Remembrance Amidst Political Undertones

The US commemorated the 9/11 anniversary, with President Biden, former President Trump, and VP Harris attending the ceremonies. The observance, marked by political overtones due to its timing within the election season, focused on remembering the nearly 3,000 victims. Relatives expressed a desire to keep the focus on honoring the lost lives.

The United States marked the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with President Biden, former President Trump, and Vice President Harris congregating at ground zero. The event, steeped in political implications because of its proximity to the presidential election season, gave a solemn reminder of the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the attacks. Despite the high-profile political presence, families of the victims urged the focus to remain on remembering their loved ones.

The solemn ceremony at the World Trade Center included the tolling of a bell and a moment of silence. Biden, Trump, and Harris, along with former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, stood together as they honored the victims. Trump and running mate Sen. JD Vance arrived early for photographs with attendees, followed by Biden and Harris, who received cheers from the crowd.

The event sparked mixed reactions from victims' families. Cathy Naughton, who lost her cousin in the attacks, emphasized the importance of keeping the memory of the victims alive, stating, "It's just so raw. We want to make sure people remember always and say the names always." Meanwhile, some relatives expressed frustration over the political undertones of the event. Nonetheless, the primary focus of the ceremony remained on paying tribute to those who perished.

(With inputs from agencies.)