Congressional Leaders Gather to Remember 9/11

By Julia Edwards

Updated: September 11, 2012 | 3:18 p.m.
September 11, 2012 | 2:41 p.m.

On a crisp September morning that looked much like the one that began 11 years ago on Tuesday, the members of Congress gathered on the steps to remember the tragedy of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Congressional leaders led the group through prayer, reflection, song, and a moment of silence under a crystal blue sky and a flag flying at half staff.

A member of Congress holds a program and a flag at a 9/11 remembrance ceremony on the steps of the East Front of the Capitol on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012. (Chet Susslin)

Capitol Police officers stand guard before a 9/11 remembrance ceremony held at the East Front of the Capitol on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012. (Chet Susslin)

An armed guard looks over the remembrance ceremony. Security at the Capitol has increased since the terrorist attacks 11 years ago. (Julia Edwards)

The flag at the Capitol Building flies at half staff on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012. (Chet Susslin)

>Master Sgt. Antonio Giuliano sings the national anthem at Tuesday's 9/11 remembrance ceremony on the steps of the East Front of the Capitol. (Chet Susslin)

Senate staffers watch the U.S. Army Band rehearse before the start of Tuesday's ceremony at the Capitol commemorating 9/11. (Julia Edwards)

Members of Congress sing the national anthem at the 9/11 remembrance ceremony on the steps of the East Front of the Capitol on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012. (Chet Susslin)

House Speaker John Boehner tears up while giving his remarks at Tuesday's 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the Capitol. (Chet Susslin)

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., shares a moment with Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, after the 9/11 remembrance ceremony held on the Capitol's East Front steps on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012. (Chet Susslin)

Members of Congress bow their heads in silence during the 9/11 remembrance ceremony on Tuesday at the Capitol. (Chet Susslin)

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., offers remarks during the Capitol ceremony commemorating the 9/11 terrorist attacks. (Chet Susslin)

A staffer gathers American flags to distribute to those gathered for the 9/11 remembrance ceremony on the East Front of the Capitol. (Julia Edwards)

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