Historic Unity at 9/11 Memorial: Biden, Harris, Trump, Vance Commemorate Victims Together

On the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump, and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, came together at the memorial in New York City to honor the victims of those tragic events. The ceremony saw a gathering of prominent figures, emphasizing the nation’s shared commitment to remembrance and unity.

Biden, Harrys, Trump at 9/11 memorial ceremony

The memorial in New York City witnessed a rare display of unity as President Biden, Vice President Harris, and former President Trump stood side by side, along with Senator JD Vance. This collaborative presence showcased a collective dedication to commemorating the lives lost in the Sept. 11 attacks.

Commencing the Ceremony

As the ceremony commenced, an air of solemnity enveloped the attendees. The names of the 2,983 victims of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, aboard Flight 93, and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing were read aloud by family members, serving as a poignant reminder of the lives affected by that fateful day.

Citywide Tributes

Citywide moments of silence marked the times when the hijacked flights struck their targets. At 8:46 a.m., a moment of silence honored the impact of Flight 11 on the North Tower, followed by another at 9:03 a.m. for Flight 175 on the South Tower. A further silence was observed at 9:37 a.m. for Flight 77's strike on the Pentagon. These pauses united the city in remembrance, transcending the mere physical presence at the memorial.

Post-Ceremony Activities

Following the memorial ceremony, President Biden, Harris, and Trump planned to continue their day with a visit to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where United Flight 93 crashed on Sept. 11, 2001. Here, President Biden and Vice President Harris were expected to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Flight 93 National Memorial, symbolizing a continuation of honoring the victims beyond the confines of the city.

Interactions and Acknowledgments

In a notable display of diplomatic civility, President Biden, Harris, and Trump exchanged handshakes, transcending political divides for the sake of commemorating the victims. Such gestures, even amidst diverse political affiliations, underscored the collective commitment to remembering the lives lost in the attacks.

Continuing the Commemoration

As part of the ongoing commemoration, there were reports of private wreath-laying ceremonies that followed the public memorial. These quieter moments of reflection at the United Flight 93 Memorial further emphasized the enduring impact of the Sept. 11 attacks and the collective resolve to honor the victims in various forms.

A Reflection of Unity and Resilience

The attendance of leaders from different political spectrums at the memorial serves as a testament to the enduring impact of the Sept. 11 attacks on the national consciousness. It reflects the ability of individuals to come together, irrespective of their political affiliations, in the face of a tragedy that reshaped the course of history.