NATO troops in Afghanistan held ceremonies Tuesday to mark the 11th anniversary of the al-Qaida terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people in the United States.

In Kabul, multinational soldiers observed a minute of silence and stood together while America's national anthem was sung.

A U.S. military officer in attendance, Brigadier General Ricky Gibbs, said U.S. troops are in Afghanistan to ensure the country never again becomes a safe haven for terrorists. He said America's NATO and Afghan partners share the same focus and commitment.

At Camp Leatherneck in Helmand Province, service members from multiple countries saluted the American flag as it was raised. The ceremony included the reading of “The Eleventh of September,” a narration of the events from that day in 2001, and a rendition of the song “God Bless America.”

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