Nation Pauses to Remember September 11 Attacks

The shadow of a renewed terror threat has been hanging over Thursday's observances of the 13th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks.
 
The events came hours after President Barack Obama said he would open a new military front in the Middle East -- authorizing airstrikes inside Syria along with expanded strikes in Iraq in an effort to root out Islamic State extremists.
 
The annual Sept. 11 commemoration ceremony in New York started with the tolling of a bell and a moment of silence. The private anniversary ceremony was held at the National Sept. 11 Memorial & Museum plaza.
 
Thousands of New Yorkers were expected to gather later at the twin reflecting pools where the World Trade Center towers once stood.
 
President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and scores of White House staff gathered solemnly under partly cloudy skies on the South Lawn of the White House, and heard the playing of "Taps," in what has become an annual observance.
 
In remarks at the Pentagon, Obama didn't mention his speech Wednesday night. He said that 13 years after the terror attacks, "America stands tall and America stands proud."
 
Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert has donated the flag that flew atop the U.S. Capitol on 9/11 to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania.
 
At a ceremony in Shanskville on Thursday, Hastert says the Capitol may not have remained standing 13 years ago if the United Airlines passengers and crew had not rebelled against four hijackers.
 
The plane went down in a field in southwestern Pennsylvania, killing 33 passengers and seven crew members.
 
Hastert was speaker of the House on Sept. 11, 2001. He says the donated flag has smoke smudges from the fire caused by another hijacked plane crashing into the Pentagon that same morning.
 
Hundreds of family members, dignitaries, officials and spectators were attending the commemoration in Shanksville.