On Wednesday, the 11 September 2001 attacks memorial site in New York City hosted a unique combined visit by President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Donald Trump. The attacks claimed the lives of over 3,000 people.
Before attending the event, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and her Republican opponent, Ted Cruz, exchanged a few niceties despite the heated debate the night before. Trump’s running partner, Senator J.D. Vance, was also present.
At the location known as “ground zero,” where planes brought down the World Trade Center towers, there were no formal speeches. Rather, the names of the victims’ loved ones who passed away 23 years ago were recited by the victims’ families.
At the ceremony, two planes flew into the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon, and a fourth crash in Pennsylvania after passengers intervened were honored for their involvement in the Al-Qaeda-led attacks.
“Richard J. O’Connor,” uttered a small child with red hair in an impassioned tone. He said, “We will always love and miss you,” in reference to his grandfather, who was hurt in the assaults. There were moments of silence at the moments the planes struck each location, along with a procession led by honor guards from New York City’s police and fire departments, complete with bagpipes and drums.
Following the celebration in New York, Biden and Harris went to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the location of the crash of United Flight 93, which occurred because passengers defeated the hijackers and prevented the plane from hitting another target.
At a white marble memorial in the field, Biden gently placed his hand on a wreath in tribute to the 40 passengers and crew members who lost their lives. They were joined by Calvin Wilson, the brother-in-law of LeRoy Homer Jr., the co-pilot of Flight 93.
Biden and Harris then visited the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department, where they paused at another memorial nearby, featuring 40 flags waving in the wind.
Biden spoke of the need for bipartisan unity and exchanged hats with a Trump supporter, which led to a viral photo. The Trump campaign later shared the image on social media, writing, “Thanks for the support, Joe.”
Biden and Harris concluded their day by attending a memorial at the Pentagon, where they laid a wreath decorated in red, white, and blue, bowed their heads, and stood silently as “Taps” was played.
