First anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks
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On September 11, 2002, various memorials and services across the world marked the first anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, the greatest number being in Manhattan. Church bells tolled at 8:46 am, when the first plane struck, and 10:29 am, when the second tower fell. Churches and other public spaces were open the entire day.
Remembrance services were held throughout the USA.
The ceremony at New York, broadcast throughout the world, fell an hour behind schedule, but was well attended. The ceremony included the reading out of the names of all the persons who died there (on both the planes and the World Trade Centre) and the recitals of American historical speeches such as the Gettysburg Address. Moments of silence were observed at 8:46 AM and 9:03 AM, the moments when the two planes struck the two towers, and church bells rang at 10:29 AM, the moment at which the second tower collapsed. The names were read by various dignitaries, including former mayors Rudy Giuliani, who started the reading of the names, and David Dinkins, actor Robert De Niro, and Secretary of State Colin Powell.
The private ceremony at the Pentagon was also well-attended, and included the President among its participants. A prayer was said at the end that referred to Todd Beamer's "Let's Roll" remark.
The public ceremony at Shanksville also had a large turnout. It included two flybys and a release of doves. President George W. Bush attended a private follow up service for the families of Flight 93's victims in the afternoon.
Bush then went to New York and met with relatives of the victims at Ground Zero to pay his respects, as did his wife, Laura. That evening, he would address the nation from Ellis Island.
Powell, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan, and Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien led foreign dignitaries who gathered in Battery Park for the lighting of the eternal flame there at sunset. Bush addressed the nation about an hour and a half after the ceremony ended.
