Nation Marks 7th Anniversary Of Terror Attacks

NEW YORK – From New York’s ground zero to the Pentagon and a rural field in Pennsylvania, the nation is pausing to mark the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks Thursday.

Relatives of victims killed at the World Trade Center have gathered for a ceremony that’s included the reading of victims’ names and moments of silence at 8:46 a.m. and 9:03 a.m. Eastern time, when two hijacked jets slammed into the twin towers seven years ago. Later, Barack Obama and John McCain are due to pay silent respects at the site.

In Arlington, Virginia, a ceremony is being held to dedicate the 9/11 memorial at the Pentagon. The 2-acre park consists primarily of 184 benches, each bearing a victim’s name.

At least 200 people have gathered at an observance in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where Flight 93 came down after passengers apparently stormed the cockpit to prevent terrorists from using the plane as a weapon.