Honoring lives lost in the 9/11 attacks 21 years ago

Geoff Bennett:

Good evening. It's good to be with you. Today, America mourns the nearly 3,000 people who were lost 21 years ago today in the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil. We begin tonight with a look at how Americans marked this somber anniversary.

At 8:

46am, the Bellwood, Wall Street's Trinity Church rang out as it has for the last two decades. Five strikes at a time repeated four times. The traditional firefighters salute to the fallen. Nearby family members headed to Ground Zero for New York City's official ceremony. Retired Illinois Police Officer Sam Pula lost his cousin Thomas a firefighter

Sam Pula, Retired Illinois Police Officer:

Feels like yesterday. I don't think the images ever dissipate.

Geoff Bennett:

Love and loss were central to President Joe Biden's address at the Pentagon this morning. He alluded to the day's other major memorial for Queen Elizabeth II for calling a message she sent days after the attack,

Joe Biden, U.S. President:

Where she pointedly reminded us quote, grief is the price we pay for love.

Geoff Bennett:

The President also urged Americans to honor the values that came under attack on September 11, 2001.

Joe Biden:

We have an obligation, a duty a responsibility to defend, preserve and protect our democracy, the great democracy that guarantees the rights of freedom that those terrorists that 9/11 sought to bury.

Geoff Bennett:

A message just as relevant today, as it was 21 years ago.