New York, Sep 11(ANI): The eighth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center twin towers in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, which killed nearly 3,000 people, was observed here on Friday.

On September 11, 2001, four hijacked planes crashed into the twin Towers, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania.

Memorial ceremonies are to be held at these sites and four moments of silence are observed, at 8:46 a.m., 9:03 a.m., 9:59 a.m. and 10:29 a.m. ET, as these were the timings when the attacks took place.

President Barack Obama attended the wreath-laying ceremony at the Pentagon, where 184 people died.

The names of more than 2,700 victims from the site were also read by family members and volunteers at the New York ceremony, which was attended by U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden.

For the first time, the anniversary was designated as a National Day of Service. On Thursday, Obama issued a proclamation honouring those who died and had urged Americans to mark the anniversary with acts of community service.

Remembering those who lost their lives on the tragic day, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, said: “It is the sacred duty of the living to carry within us the memories of those we lost. While there is pain in remembering the loss, there is sweetness in remembering their lives.” (ANI)