9/11 anniversary: Tears and tensions

Family members of September 11 victims recited loved ones' names through tears on the ninth anniversary of the attacks on Saturday.

Gathering at observances in New York and Pennsylvania, the family members brought flowers, pictures of loved ones and American flags. (AFP)

Hundreds of family members placed roses in a reflecting pool at Ground Zero in front of a memorial, leaving scrawled remembrances on paper around it. Visible behind the podium of mourners were the beginnings of two skyscrapers rising at the site along with a transit hub. (AFP)

At the ceremony, stifling sobs in front of microphones, some of the family members of the September 11 victims echoed their sentiments, while others sought to embrace unity and a spirit of reaching out. (AFP)

Several hundred activists, meanwhile, rallied to support an Islamic centre proposed near Ground Zero after remembrances were held for nearly 3,000 victims. (AP)

US President Barack Obama chose to use the occasion to explain to a sharply divided nation that America was not at war with Islam, but terrorist organisations. (AFP)

US First lady Michelle Obama appeared with former US First Lady Laura Bush in Shanksville, where the fourth plane crashed after passengers rushed the cockpit.

In her address Michelle said, "The victims of Flight 93 are an inspiration and all who visit the rural field where they died on September 11, 2001, will now see how a scar in the earth has healed."

This was a rare joint public speaking appearance by two first ladies. (AFP)

Moments of silence were held at 8:46 am, 9:03 am, 9:59 am and 10:28 am to mark the times the hijacked jetliners hit the north and south towers of the World Trade Centre, as well as the times they collapsed. (AP)