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After 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heart

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After 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heart

Officials, dignitaries, and family members of the victims go to Ground Zero to honor the dead and reflect on the day that changed America forever.

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Outside Ground Zero on the 14th anniversary was a mix of locals and tourists looking to pay their respects. They shared their memories of that day with USA TODAY and spoke of how reflections change as time passes. Video by Michael Monday

NEW YORK — It still sears the heart. And the memories still send shivers down spines and raise the hairs on arms.

On Friday morning, crowds gathered once again at the site of the Twin Towers of New York's World Trade Center to confront those 14-year-old memories and remember those who died when terrorists plowed two hijacked planes into the city's tallest buildings.

Inside the memorial to the victims of those horrific hours, family members, officials and dignitaries observed six moments of silence as the names of the dead were read by their loved ones.

Organizers of the Ground Zero ceremony decided in 2012 to stop letting elected officials read names, though politicians still can attend. Over the years, some victims' relatives have invoked political matters while reading names — such as declaring that Sept. 11 should be a national holiday — but others have sought to keep the focus personal.

Under a cover of fast-moving clouds, a mixture of commuters, New Yorkers and tourists gathered at the entrance to the memorial ceremonies, many of them drawn by the anniversary.

New Yorker Matt Johnson, a student originally from California, said he felt he had to come down to the site on the anniversary. "I've always been really impacted by the events of 14 years ago," he said. "It's a really important part of our history and always makes me emotional, so I figured today was an important time to come down and remember what was lost."

Johnson was only six at the time of the attacks but says he "vividly" remembers Sept. 11, 2001.

"I was brushing my teeth and my mom came upstairs, and she was crying … and I remember going downstairs and seeing what was going on. I didn't fully understand it because I was six, but I remember realizing that this was a big deal."

Being at the site itself, he said, provides a picture of the enormity of the attack. "It puts it all in perspective rather than feeling that all this happened 3.000 miles away."

Johnson's friend Robert Gray, 20, also a student, grew up in suburban New York and said his father worked just a couple of blocks from Ground Zero.

"I remember waiting an extensive amount of time for him to come home that day… I remember my mother bursting into my bedroom crying. I remember afterward the smell for a very long time because it wafted over the water from the city."

Gray said several students in school were inspired by 9/11. "I have friends of mine … who are now in the military, who have now become firemen or policemen in New York as a result of that."

He said he felt it was important to visit the site on the anniversary. "Let's go pay our respects. Be with the rest of New York and memorialize it."

For William Nipper, visiting from Charlotte, N.C., it was his first visit to the site of the Twin Towers attack.

"I was doing jury duty," he said, recalling when he first heard about the attacks, "and we heard the news of the first plane and were taken into a courtroom and we were unable to see news until we got out."

He said he felt "shock, unbelief – just amazement that it had happened."

Looking back, he said the events reminded him that "we live in a world that is full of hate and sin … and I understand that America is not sheltered from the world – bad things happen everywhere – and this is something that happened to us."

A large contingent of police, some of them with dogs and some from the NYPD anti-terrorism squad, guarded the entry, fielding questions from members of the public. At the side, commuters streamed from the PATH train, which links to the New Jersey suburbs. They dodged among the camera-toting tourists, many of them from Britain and other parts of Europe.

Paul Troth, a visitor from Birmingham, England, said he was drawn to the site to mark the anniversary. "I feel an emotion around here," he said, "It makes it a lot more real."

Troth said his country was accustomed to terrorism, particularly attacks by the Irish Republican Army in the 1970s and '80s, "But this was something on a global scale. This wasn't a localized event – it was something that would have an impact for years to come."

He said he was impressed by the transformation of the site. "I think it's fantastic, he said. "We've got his huge landmark … that everyone can see from miles away. It's a positive step to rebuild something quite so magnificent. It's like defiance in a way."

In the background, work continued in the shadow of the almost completed One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower. At the patriotically chosen height of 1,776 feet, it rises – 48 feet higher than even the top of an antenna on the North Tower of the two buildings it replaced – thrusting defiantly into the morning sky.

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Now being constructed is a giant transit center that will bring together several New York City subways as well as the suburban PATH system. Topping this building is a giant crown that resembles that on the Statue of Liberty, which towers not far away in the waters between New York and New Jersey.

Visitors to the site talked about how the new buildings, especially the Freedom Tower, represented the resiliency of Americans in the face of terrorists.

Peter Erbe, from Concord, N.C., a suburb of Charlotte, said he felt it was important to visit the site and "feel the experience."

He said he felt "a lot of emotion. … It's hard not to be moved by being here," and that the transformation of the site "shows the resilience and ability of Americans to bounce back and say 'Nuts to you guys.'"

After 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heart

A New York City firefighter stands as part of an honor guard on Sept. 11, 2015, at a wall memorializing the 343 firefighters who died on 9/11 in New York. (Photo: Justin Lane, EPA)

Inside the memorial, loved ones remembered the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the surrounding blocks. Lives of office workers, firefighters, police officers, delivery workers. Rich people, poor people and in between, they all became equal in death.

The solemn occasion called for a pause in the reading of the name six times to mark the critical moments of that tragic day.

At 8:46 a.m., a moment of silence marked the moment when the first plane arrived, plowing into the North Tower with a never-forgotten cacophony of disintegration and explosion.

In Washington, President Obama accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama, stepped solemnly from the White House onto the lawn Friday morning for a brief commemoration service at that precise moment.

Against a backdrop of an honor guard and a crowd gathered for the occasion, the Obamas stood apart with heads bowed and hands over their hearts as a bell tolled to mark the moment the first plane hit the towers. In the silence, a bugler played Taps.

Then they turned and walked slowly back into the White House as a flag above the building flew at half-staff. The president was also scheduled to observe the anniversary with a visit to Fort Meade, Md., in recognition of the military's work to protect the country.

The five other critical moments of 9/11 framed the day that will linger long in the nation's memory:

• At 9:03 a.m. came the second attack, when an airliner roared down the Hudson River and pierced the South Tower.

• At 9:37 a.m., the aerial attack on the Pentagon.

At the site on Friday, officials and family members observed a moment of silence, followed by brief remarks from Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and Gen. Paul Selva, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who stood in front of seven American flags fluttering in a constant breeze.

Carter expressed his condolences to family members, and said that after the tragedy of 9/11, "We come back stronger than ever.

"Terrorists who hope to intimidate us will find no satisfaction or success in threatening the United States," he said.

"After 14 years and forevermore, terrorists who threaten us will learn this simply but unbending truth: No matter how long it takes, no matter where they hide, they will not escape the long arm of justice."

• At 9:59 a.m. the collapse of the South Tower only 56 minutes after it was struck.

•At 10:03 a.m, the crash of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pa., as brave passengers confronted hijackers on another plane, forcing it down and preventing another attack in Washington, D.C.

Hundreds gathered for a ceremony Friday to honor the 33 passengers and seven crewmembers aboard the flight.

• At 10:28 a.m., the dust-spewing implosion of the North Tower.

Another onlooker, Andre Ellis Jr., of Neptune, N.J., commutes to an office close to the site.

He said he was in his middle school math class when he heard about the attacks. "The teacher stopped everything suddenly and told us to call our parents. … And I later found out we were under attack.

"I was devastated because I had family members and friends who had parents who worked in the city, and it was just unclear what was happening. We were uncertain of their health at the time. It was a very sad time."

After 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heart

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September 11, 2015 marks the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks that took the lives of nearly 3,000 people. Today, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum serves as a way to honor and remember those who were lost. VPC

Ellis said it is "sort of surreal" to work near the attack site. "I pass through here every day and I just imagine what is was like being here during that time when it happened. What would I have done? It just always crosses my mind."

"My condolences go out to the families mourning every 9/11 that comes along. They have to remember what has happened. We as a country have to remember what happened. It will always be there."

Contributing: Doug Stanglin in McLean, Va.

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After 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heart

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After 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heart

Officials, dignitaries, and family members of the victims go to Ground Zero to honor the dead and reflect on the day that changed America forever.

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Outside Ground Zero on the 14th anniversary was a mix of locals and tourists looking to pay their respects. They shared their memories of that day with USA TODAY and spoke of how reflections change as time passes. Video by Michael Monday

NEW YORK — It still sears the heart. And the memories still send shivers down spines and raise the hairs on arms.

On Friday morning, crowds gathered once again at the site of the Twin Towers of New York's World Trade Center to confront those 14-year-old memories and remember those who died when terrorists plowed two hijacked planes into the city's tallest buildings.

Inside the memorial to the victims of those horrific hours, family members, officials and dignitaries observed six moments of silence as the names of the dead were read by their loved ones.

Organizers of the Ground Zero ceremony decided in 2012 to stop letting elected officials read names, though politicians still can attend. Over the years, some victims' relatives have invoked political matters while reading names — such as declaring that Sept. 11 should be a national holiday — but others have sought to keep the focus personal.

Under a cover of fast-moving clouds, a mixture of commuters, New Yorkers and tourists gathered at the entrance to the memorial ceremonies, many of them drawn by the anniversary.

New Yorker Matt Johnson, a student originally from California, said he felt he had to come down to the site on the anniversary. "I've always been really impacted by the events of 14 years ago," he said. "It's a really important part of our history and always makes me emotional, so I figured today was an important time to come down and remember what was lost."

Johnson was only six at the time of the attacks but says he "vividly" remembers Sept. 11, 2001.

"I was brushing my teeth and my mom came upstairs, and she was crying … and I remember going downstairs and seeing what was going on. I didn't fully understand it because I was six, but I remember realizing that this was a big deal."

Being at the site itself, he said, provides a picture of the enormity of the attack. "It puts it all in perspective rather than feeling that all this happened 3.000 miles away."

Johnson's friend Robert Gray, 20, also a student, grew up in suburban New York and said his father worked just a couple of blocks from Ground Zero.

"I remember waiting an extensive amount of time for him to come home that day… I remember my mother bursting into my bedroom crying. I remember afterward the smell for a very long time because it wafted over the water from the city."

Gray said several students in school were inspired by 9/11. "I have friends of mine … who are now in the military, who have now become firemen or policemen in New York as a result of that."

He said he felt it was important to visit the site on the anniversary. "Let's go pay our respects. Be with the rest of New York and memorialize it."

For William Nipper, visiting from Charlotte, N.C., it was his first visit to the site of the Twin Towers attack.

"I was doing jury duty," he said, recalling when he first heard about the attacks, "and we heard the news of the first plane and were taken into a courtroom and we were unable to see news until we got out."

He said he felt "shock, unbelief – just amazement that it had happened."

Looking back, he said the events reminded him that "we live in a world that is full of hate and sin … and I understand that America is not sheltered from the world – bad things happen everywhere – and this is something that happened to us."

A large contingent of police, some of them with dogs and some from the NYPD anti-terrorism squad, guarded the entry, fielding questions from members of the public. At the side, commuters streamed from the PATH train, which links to the New Jersey suburbs. They dodged among the camera-toting tourists, many of them from Britain and other parts of Europe.

Paul Troth, a visitor from Birmingham, England, said he was drawn to the site to mark the anniversary. "I feel an emotion around here," he said, "It makes it a lot more real."

Troth said his country was accustomed to terrorism, particularly attacks by the Irish Republican Army in the 1970s and '80s, "But this was something on a global scale. This wasn't a localized event – it was something that would have an impact for years to come."

He said he was impressed by the transformation of the site. "I think it's fantastic, he said. "We've got his huge landmark … that everyone can see from miles away. It's a positive step to rebuild something quite so magnificent. It's like defiance in a way."

In the background, work continued in the shadow of the almost completed One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower. At the patriotically chosen height of 1,776 feet, it rises – 48 feet higher than even the top of an antenna on the North Tower of the two buildings it replaced – thrusting defiantly into the morning sky.

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Now being constructed is a giant transit center that will bring together several New York City subways as well as the suburban PATH system. Topping this building is a giant crown that resembles that on the Statue of Liberty, which towers not far away in the waters between New York and New Jersey.

Visitors to the site talked about how the new buildings, especially the Freedom Tower, represented the resiliency of Americans in the face of terrorists.

Peter Erbe, from Concord, N.C., a suburb of Charlotte, said he felt it was important to visit the site and "feel the experience."

He said he felt "a lot of emotion. … It's hard not to be moved by being here," and that the transformation of the site "shows the resilience and ability of Americans to bounce back and say 'Nuts to you guys.'"

After 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heart

A New York City firefighter stands as part of an honor guard on Sept. 11, 2015, at a wall memorializing the 343 firefighters who died on 9/11 in New York. (Photo: Justin Lane, EPA)

Inside the memorial, loved ones remembered the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the surrounding blocks. Lives of office workers, firefighters, police officers, delivery workers. Rich people, poor people and in between, they all became equal in death.

The solemn occasion called for a pause in the reading of the name six times to mark the critical moments of that tragic day.

At 8:46 a.m., a moment of silence marked the moment when the first plane arrived, plowing into the North Tower with a never-forgotten cacophony of disintegration and explosion.

In Washington, President Obama accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama, stepped solemnly from the White House onto the lawn Friday morning for a brief commemoration service at that precise moment.

Against a backdrop of an honor guard and a crowd gathered for the occasion, the Obamas stood apart with heads bowed and hands over their hearts as a bell tolled to mark the moment the first plane hit the towers. In the silence, a bugler played Taps.

Then they turned and walked slowly back into the White House as a flag above the building flew at half-staff. The president was also scheduled to observe the anniversary with a visit to Fort Meade, Md., in recognition of the military's work to protect the country.

The five other critical moments of 9/11 framed the day that will linger long in the nation's memory:

• At 9:03 a.m. came the second attack, when an airliner roared down the Hudson River and pierced the South Tower.

• At 9:37 a.m., the aerial attack on the Pentagon.

At the site on Friday, officials and family members observed a moment of silence, followed by brief remarks from Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and Gen. Paul Selva, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who stood in front of seven American flags fluttering in a constant breeze.

Carter expressed his condolences to family members, and said that after the tragedy of 9/11, "We come back stronger than ever.

"Terrorists who hope to intimidate us will find no satisfaction or success in threatening the United States," he said.

"After 14 years and forevermore, terrorists who threaten us will learn this simply but unbending truth: No matter how long it takes, no matter where they hide, they will not escape the long arm of justice."

• At 9:59 a.m. the collapse of the South Tower only 56 minutes after it was struck.

•At 10:03 a.m, the crash of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pa., as brave passengers confronted hijackers on another plane, forcing it down and preventing another attack in Washington, D.C.

Hundreds gathered for a ceremony Friday to honor the 33 passengers and seven crewmembers aboard the flight.

• At 10:28 a.m., the dust-spewing implosion of the North Tower.

Another onlooker, Andre Ellis Jr., of Neptune, N.J., commutes to an office close to the site.

He said he was in his middle school math class when he heard about the attacks. "The teacher stopped everything suddenly and told us to call our parents. … And I later found out we were under attack.

"I was devastated because I had family members and friends who had parents who worked in the city, and it was just unclear what was happening. We were uncertain of their health at the time. It was a very sad time."

After 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heart

UP NEXT

03

September 11, 2015 marks the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks that took the lives of nearly 3,000 people. Today, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum serves as a way to honor and remember those who were lost. VPC

Ellis said it is "sort of surreal" to work near the attack site. "I pass through here every day and I just imagine what is was like being here during that time when it happened. What would I have done? It just always crosses my mind."

"My condolences go out to the families mourning every 9/11 that comes along. They have to remember what has happened. We as a country have to remember what happened. It will always be there."

Contributing: Doug Stanglin in McLean, Va.

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After 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heartimageAfter 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heartA man walks through a plaza filled with US flags whileA visitor takes a picture of the boulder that marksKyle Koehler of the East Cleveland Fire Dept. readsRocco diNardo prays while standing at the engravedAn unidentified man takes photos before sunrise atMembers of the New York Police department attend aMembers of the Port authority Police before the ceremonyA National Park Ranger's shadow falls on the Wall ofPentagon personnel unfurl a large American flag onAfter 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heartAfter 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heartAfter 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heartAfter 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heartAfter 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heartAfter 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heartAfter 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heartAfter 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heart
After 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heartAfter 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heartVictims' family members look on during a ceremony atTyresee Jeffries salutes with other members of theZachary Ellicott, a firefighter in Stanhope, NJ, (left)
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama
As the Pentagon Memorial is seen in the foreground,
Vicksburg High School JROTC Cadet Capt. Keandrea Ringold
Members of the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard
The US flag over the White House in Washington, DC,
Commander of the International Security Assistance,Flowers are laid at the 9-11 Memorial site in New YorkAfter 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heartAfter 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heartAfter 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heart
After 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heartAfter 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heartAfter 14 years, 9/11 memories still sear the heartThe twin towers of the World Trade Center rise above2001: Rue Guardino stands at the railing at a waterfront2001: The rubble of the World Trade Center smoulders.2001: The first tower of the World Trade Center collapses2001: An overall of the scene at the World Trade Center2002: Ground Zero as seen from the roof of the Stage2002: An all-agency honor guard, family members and2003: Family members gather on the second anniversary2003: The "Tribute in Lights" soars over the NY skyline2004: This aerial view shows Ground Zero at the World2005: Two beams of light shine from lower Manhattan2006: Families lay flowers into a temporary pool at2006: Late in the evening, visitors to the World Trade2006: A view from the northwestern corner looking at2006: Families and friends of victims of the 911attacksFILE - This Sept. 8, 2008 file photo shows the early2009: The World Trade Center construction Sept. 11,2010: The south memorial pool under construction, with2011: A view of a rose on the names inscribed around2012: Tribute in Light shines as One World Trade Center,2012:  People stand by a memorial pool during memorial2013: Victims' family members view names along the2014: The south memorial pool opens at the site of2015: One World Trade Center   soars above the skyline2015: The Tribute in Light illuminates the sky behindA view of the lower Manhattan skyline on Feb. 21, 2001A picture taken 20 May 1986 in New York shows the Statue2001: The second hijacked plane is seen moments before2001: A charred document sits in the soot in the area2001: A man stands in the rubble, and calls out asking2001: Smoke lingers in the air as a new day dawns over2002: The Last Load ceremony marks the official end2002: Six months after a terrorist attack destroyed2003: A view of the part of Ground Zero that is now2004: Two women embrace during ceremonies marking the2004: Lower Manhattan is viewed from the 13th floor2005: The World Trade Center site on the fourth anniversary2006: The Vesey Street staircase, also known as "survivors2006: The last remnants of steel support beams that2007: Family members of the victims of the attacks2007: Construction continues at the World Trade Center2008: Cranes at left in position on the construction2009: A construction crane works above the foundations2011: A New York City police officer salutes at the2011: 1 World Trade Center, formerly called the "Freedom2011: Families visit the north memorial pool during2011: A woman cries while looking at the names inscribed2012:  Christine Gonda places a picture of firefighter2013:  Showkatara Sharif, of Chantilly, Va., stands2013:  One World Trade Center towers over lower Manhattan2015: The view from the Staten Island Ferry of southern2015: The National September 11 Memorial and Museum,
A view of the lower Manhattan skyline on Feb. 21, 20012001: The second hijacked plane is seen moments before2001: A man stands in the rubble, and calls out asking2002: The Last Load ceremony marks the official end2003: A view of the part of Ground Zero that is now2004: Lower Manhattan is viewed from the 13th floor2006: The Vesey Street staircase, also known as "survivors2007: Family members of the victims of the attacks2008: Cranes at left in position on the construction2011: A New York City police officer salutes at the2011: Families visit the north memorial pool during2012:  Christine Gonda places a picture of firefighter2013:  One World Trade Center towers over lower Manhattan2015: The National September 11 Memorial and Museum,
A picture taken 20 May 1986 in New York shows the Statue
2001: A charred document sits in the soot in the area
2001: Smoke lingers in the air as a new day dawns over
2002: Six months after a terrorist attack destroyed
2004: Two women embrace during ceremonies marking the
2005: The World Trade Center site on the fourth anniversary
2006: The last remnants of steel support beams that
2007: Construction continues at the World Trade Center
2009: A construction crane works above the foundations
2011: 1 World Trade Center, formerly called the "Freedom
2011: A woman cries while looking at the names inscribed
2013:  Showkatara Sharif, of Chantilly, Va., stands
2015: The view from the Staten Island Ferry of southern
The Manhattan skyline and the twin towers of the World2001: Rue Guardino stands at the railing at a waterfront2001: The first tower of the World Trade Center collapses2002: Ground Zero as seen from the roof of the Stage2003: Family members gather on the second anniversary2004: This aerial view shows Ground Zero at the World2006: Families lay flowers into a temporary pool at2006: A view from the northwestern corner looking atFILE - This Sept. 8, 2008 file photo shows the early2010: The south memorial pool under construction, with2011: Families visit the south memorial pool during2012: Tribute in Light shines as One World Trade Center,2013: Victims' family members view names along the2015: One World Trade Center   soars above the skyline

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