“‘We do not let others divide us”, Obama says at 9/11 memorial

The president’s speech was preceded by more bellicose remarks from Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter, who warned that terrorists who threaten the United States will “come to feel the righteous fist of American might”. We thank the first responders who risked everything to save others.

The Pentagon attack killed 184 people, including workers inside the building and passengers from hijacked American Airlines Flight 77, which crashed into it.

President Barack Obama, speaking at the Pentagon memorial service, praised America’s diversity and urged Americans not to let their enemies divide them.

Almost 3,000 people were killed in New York City, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon when hijacked commercial airliners were slammed into all three locations in attacks that were planned and carried out by the al-Qaida terrorist group.

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican rival Donald Trump both were at the anniversary ceremony at the World Trade Centre.

Obama, who is a Democrat, has repeatedly criticised Trump´s statements, including the billionaire´s proposal in the wake of last December´s mass shooting attack in San Bernardino, California to ban Muslims from entering the United States.

Obama spoke on warm, mostly sunny morning, noting that the threat that became so evident on September 11 has evolved greatly over the past 15 years. “And if we stay true to those values, we’ll uphold the legacy of those we’ve lost, and keep our nation strong and free”, he was quoted as saying.

In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama said that while so much has changed in the years since 9/11 it’s important to remember what has stayed the same. Our diversity, our patchwork heritage, is not a weakness.

Ryan Van Riper said he planned to honour his slain grandmother, Barbara Shaw, by serving the country. In New York City, a memorial ceremony will be held at the World Trade Center site.

“Speaking to survivors and those who lost loved ones, the President said, “(I) n your grief and grace, you have reminded us that, together, there’s nothing we Americans can not overcome”.

“We resolve to continue doing everything in our power to protect this country that we love”, he said, facing the benches that are a hallmark of the Pentagon Memorial.

“Sometimes the bad things in our lives put us on the path to where we should be going – to help others as many have helped me”, he said.

“We delivered justice to (al-Qaeda leader) Osama bin Laden”.