NEW YORK (AP) – Americans are set to commemorate the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks with tributes altered by the coronavirus.
If a weary nation needed more proof the coronavirus pandemic has reshaped its rituals, America need look no further than the World Trade Center on Sept. 11. Because of the pandemic, the 19th anniversary of 9/11 will look and sound different this year. Even the Fire Department has urged members to stay away from observances.
President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden both plan to visit the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania Friday, though not at the same time.
In New York, a dispute over coronavirus precautions is leading to separate remembrances. Vice President Mike Pence plans to attend both events.
Biden will also attend a ceremony at the World Trade Center memorial site in New York before heading to Pennsylvania.
In 2001, our Nation, united under God, made an unbreakable promise never to forget the nearly 3,000 innocent Americans who were senselessly killed on September 11th. On this sacred day — Patriot Day — we solemnly honor that commitment. https://t.co/LzAFPe72YX
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 11, 2020
