Much of Sunday's memorial service in New York has been marked by silence and reflection, as America remembers the nearly 3,000 victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The day-long service was attended by dignitaries as well as family members of those who died. They were among the first to tour the 6.5-hectare site on the original World Trade Center location.
A somber quiet blanketed the site as the name of every single person who died in the attacks was read aloud.
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. Many looked up to the sky, their faces warmed by the morning's sunny weather, recalling the bright blue skies that began that horrible day 10 years ago.
Those in the crowd were equally moved, wiping away tears and clinging to family and friends. Family members say they felt the tranquility of the trees and waterfalls set within the footprints of where the twin towers once stood.
The moments of silence marking significant moments of the day were equally somber, including those that recalled the times when the planes hit the North and South Towers.
When the Honor Guard opened the family entrance of the Memorial Plaza, many people paying respect to loved ones traced their hands and made rubbings over the dark bronze walls where the names of the fallen are now inscribed.
Some mourners placed American flags, photographs of the victims, flowers and other memorabilia on the memorial. One firefighter laid down his hat, recalling the hundreds of firefighters who lost their lives trying to save those trapped in the towers. Other people were seen slumped over the memorial, covering their faces as they mourned as privately as possible.
The service ended with a powerful rendition of Taps performed by trumpeters from New York's police, fire and port authority, and the US military. Other artists performing during the day included cellist Yo-Yo Ma and singer/song writers James Taylor and Paul Simon.
A memorial service is also being held at the Pentagon, where 184 were killed when another of the hijacked planes crashed into the west side of the building. Members of the military laid bouquets of white flowers at the memorial benches erected in tribute to the victims, whose ages ranged from three to 71 years.
Somber crowds gathered in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to remember the 40 victims killed when a hijacked plane crashed into an open field a decade ago.
