A somber quiet blanketed Ground Zero as readers called out the names of the thousands of people who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks, including their own family members.

Wearing blue ribbons in remembrance of the victims, many of the readers held back tears as they said the names, telling their fathers, mothers and other fallen family members that they miss and love them. Those in the crowd were equally moved, wiping away tears and clinging to family and friends.

The moments of silence marking significant moments of the day have been equally somber, including those that recalled the times when the planes hit the North and South Towers. The thousands of people gathered at Ground Zero fell silent in tribute.

French-born American cellist Yo-Yo Ma, who also performed on the one-year anniversary of September 11, played a cello solo while the Honor Guard opened the family entrance of the Memorial Plaza.

Many people paying respect to their loved ones traced their hands and made rubbings over the dark granite memorial where the names of the fallen are now inscribed.

Some mourners placed American flags, pictures, flowers and other memorabilia on the granite. Others were seen slumped over the memorial, covering their faces as they mourned as privately as possible.