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| Americans mark fifth anniversary of 9/11 | | |
New York, Sept 11 With a "heavy heart", US President George W. Bush joined thousands across the country in observing the fifth annivesary of the September 11 attacks with all faith prayers, wreath laying ceremonies and silent marches in the areas hit by the terrorists.
The two-day commemoration ceremonies began with President Bush and first lady Laura Bush laying two wreaths of red, white and blue flowers in reflecting pools at the sites where the World Trade Centre's twin towers once adorned and reflecting as the wreaths drifted.
The two also attended a prayer service at St. Paul Chapel, visited a fire station overlooking the pit left by fallen towers to show their appreciation for the work that the first responders did and remember hundreds of them who died as the structures collapsed.
They walked down the long ramp hand in hand but without uttering a word to the site of the pools which are about five stories below ground level with police lining both sides and bagpipes striking a solemn tune.
After emerging from the firehouse, Bush said he is approaching the anniversary with a "heavy heart" as he recalls those who lost their lives. He also called the day one for "renewing resolve". "I vowed that I am never going to forget the lessons of that day," he said.
New York Governor George E Pataki, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and the then Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani also walked them down the ramp with them.
As many as 2,748 people were killed when terrorists crashed two airliners in the twin towers which later collapsed in intense heat. Nineteen terrorists, who had hijacked the planes, too perished. |
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