The event marked 23 years since the tragic day when al Qaeda terrorists flew planes into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania.

Vice President Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, and former President Trump, her Republican rival in the upcoming November election, set aside their differences, briefly shaking hands and exchanging words despite their heated debate the previous night. Senator JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, was also in attendance.

No formal speeches were made at the Ground Zero memorial, where families of the victims read aloud the names of their loved ones. New York City’s fire and police departments and Port Authority honor guards led a solemn bagpipe and drum processional. Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg stood between Biden and Trump during the ceremony, adding to the bipartisan significance of the occasion.

Biden and Harris then left New York and traveled to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to honor the passengers of United Flight 93, who heroically thwarted the hijackers, causing the plane to crash in a field.

At the memorial, Biden paid respects with a wreath-laying ceremony alongside Harris, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and other dignitaries. They also visited the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department to speak with local officials before heading to Washington for a memorial visit at the Pentagon.

In a statement earlier that day, Biden reflected on the resilience of the American people: “On this day 23 years ago, terrorists believed they could break our will and bring us to our knees. They were wrong. They will always be wrong. In the darkest of hours, we found light. And in the face of fear, we came together.”

Trump, speaking with the media, described September 11 as a “very, very sad, horrible day,” recognizing the lasting impact of the tragedy. Biden also issued a proclamation honoring the victims and the countless Americans who served in the military in the years that followed. He emphasized the nation’s gratitude, saying, “We owe these patriots of the 9/11 Generation a debt of gratitude that we can never fully repay.”