The 9/11 remembrance ceremonies in New York City and throughout the country  commemorated the loss of nearly 3,000 souls on Sept. 11, 2001 although with certain accommodations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“The pain and suffering continue for too many who, in the aftermath of these attacks, still battle 9/11-related illnesses,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. “We stand with these heroes in the fight to ensure they receive every bit of funding and care they need and deserve.”,

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation continued to honor the tradition of reading each of the victims’ names, whereas the National September 11 Memorial and Museum opted for a pre-recorded reading to limit the number of people physically in attendance. This created two separate ceremonies over the controversial decision to pre-record. 

While the memorial was a moment of grieving for many families, it also showcased an uncommon moment of bipartisanship. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and Vice President Mike Pence bumped elbows when they ran into each other at the ceremony, creating a viral moment for polarized times. 

President Donald Trump did not attend a New York memorial, but he did give remarks at a Flight 93 ceremony in Pennsylvania.

“The heroes of Flight 93 are an everlasting reminder that no matter the danger, no matter the threat, no matter the odds, America will always rise up, stand tall, and fight back,” Trump said.