Biden Marks 22 Years Since 9/11 Terror Attacks in Alaska - Live Coverage

President Biden commemorates the 22nd anniversary of 9/11 in Alaska, honoring lives lost and countering China's influence.

On the twenty-second anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack in U.S. history, President Joe Biden will pay tribute to the lives lost at a remembrance event in Alaska. This event will take place at Anchorage's Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, as Biden makes his way back to Washington D.C. after a significant trip to India and Vietnam. During his trip, Biden engaged in a series of meetings aimed at countering China's increasing global influence.

The solemn occasion will be commemorated with remarks from the president himself, who will address an audience of 1,000 service members, first responders, and their families. The White House has released a statement confirming this.

However, Biden has faced criticism for not participating in the traditional memorial ceremonies held in New York, Pennsylvania, at the Pentagon, or the White House, as his predecessors George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump did.

On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 individuals lost their lives in a series of coordinated terrorist attacks. These attacks involved the hijacking of four commercial planes by terrorists under the leadership of Osama bin Laden, the head of Al-Qaeda. Two of the planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City, causing the collapse of both towers. Another plane targeted the Pentagon, while the final plane was intended for Washington, D.C. However, the heroic actions of passengers and crew members prevented this plan from being carried out, resulting in the plane crashing in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, claiming the lives of everyone on board.

In response to these devastating attacks, the United States launched the "war on terror" campaign to dismantle Al-Qaeda. This initiative led to prolonged military engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Meanwhile, First Lady Jill Biden will lay a wreath at the 9/11 memorial at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will also be present at this ceremony.

In New York City, Vice President Kamala Harris joined politicians and mourners at ground zero in lower Manhattan. The focus of the annual ceremony was on reading the names of all the individuals who lost their lives on 9/11. Additionally, Harris' husband, Doug Emhoff, participated in a memorial service held in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to honor the victims.

As the nation reflects on the tragic events of September 11, 2001, it is essential to remember and honor the lives lost, as well as the resilience and unity that emerged in the face of such adversity.