On September 11, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump attended the 9/11 memorial service at Ground Zero, just hours after their first debate. The anniversary commemorates the 2,977 lives lost in the 2001 attacks. Trump arrived with his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, alongside his sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump. This event mirrors past elections, such as in 2008 when rivals John McCain and Barack Obama set aside politics for a joint appearance at Ground Zero.
Trump and Harris at Ground Zero: Post-Debate Encounter
After the Tuesday night debate, Harris and Trump met again on Wednesday morning for a solemn remembrance in New York. While this year’s memorial coincides with the presidential campaign season, both parties emphasized unity, with Harris stating that “Together, we made clear we will not bend or break in the face of terrorism. We rallied around the victims and their families. We worked to overcome the hate and discrimination that many of our fellow Americans experienced following the attacks. And we fought for the country we love and the ideals we cherish. All of this work continues today.” Trump’s attendance, alongside Vance, who posed for photographs with visitors, marked his first public 9/11 memorial since 2020.
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The Legacy of 9/11 and Its Impact on American Politics
The 9/11 attacks profoundly impacted the U.S., reshaping foreign policy and security practices. The tragedy also had long-lasting effects on the American psyche, reinforcing national vulnerability. As America continues to reflect on the day, the memorial services this year were not devoid of political undercurrents, with both Biden and Harris attending in their roles as current administration members. Harris echoed Biden’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of “never forgetting” and commemorating those affected by the attacks.
Biden’s Role in the 9/11 Commemoration
President Joe Biden, attending what may be his final 9/11 commemoration as president, honored the victims alongside Harris. They participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, later continuing to a service at the Pentagon. In his address, Biden reiterated his message of unity on social media, stating, “We never forget. We are never afraid. We endure. We overcome.”
Trump’s 2023 Video Statement on 9/11
In a video released in 2023, Trump reflected on the September 11 attacks, noting that “no one who lived through the horror of the September 11 terrorist attacks can ever forget the agony and the anguish of that terrible day.” Despite having skipped the formal 2021 commemoration, opting to visit first responders in New York City before attending a boxing match in Florida, Trump returned to the 2023 memorial service alongside his political team.
