On Politicized Sept. 11 Anniversary, Mourners Gather

‘Ground zero’ mosque, Quran-burning controversies overshadow memorials; president calls for unity

On the ninth anniversary of the al-Qaida terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, family members of the victims of 9/11 gather around the ground zero reflecting pool where the twin towers once stood, New York City, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010. (Photo credit: Chang W. Lee / Pool via EPA)

The Associated Press, Reutes, and NBC News via MSNBC.com
Sept. 11, 2010

NEW YORK — A day of mourning for nearly 3,000 Sept. 11 victims began Saturday with moments of silence and tears near ground zero, and with observers bracing for protests over a mosque planned blocks away on what is usually an anniversary free of politics. …

Moments of silence were held at 8:46 a.m. and 9:03 a.m., the times hijacked jetliners hit the north and south towers of the World Trade Center.

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama were attending separate services at the Pentagon in Washington and a rural field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. …

Full story

———

Related reports

Images: Community & Grace

9 Years later: Where are they?

More 9/11 anniversary coverage

———

FROM THE ARCHIVES: One Year Ago — September 11, 2009

9/11 — Eight Years After

One year ago today, I commemorated the 8th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, noting that with the timetable set for U.S. withdrawal from Iraq and the fighting in Afghanistan nearing its ninth year, war coverage had waned, often pushed off the front page by the economic recession, health care reform, and celebrity deaths.

9/11 Eighth Anniversary Coverage

The Darkest Day: How 9/11 Unfolded

————

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Two Years Ago — September 11, 2008

9/11 — Seven Years

Two years ago today, on the second day after losing my 2008 primary challenge against U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann in Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District, I paid tribute to the victims and heroes of 9/11.

Tribute to the Victims and Heroes of 9/11

Amazing Grace 9/11

America Grieves