Thousands expected at ground zero as the US commemorates the 9/11 anniversary

The US is still reeling from the destruction caused by two hurricanes in the space of three weeks, but they are also marking the anniversary of one of the nation’s most scarring days.

Thousands of 9/11 victims’ rescuers, families and survivors, amongst others are expected to gather at the World Trade Centre to commemorate the terror attack on American soil 16 years later.

Nearly 3,000 people died when two hijacked planes crashed into the trade centre, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001.

US President Donald Trump, a native of New York, will be observing the anniversary for the first time as the nation’s leader and is scheduled to observe the moment of silence at about the same time the first airplane crashed into the building. The White House claimed that he will be joined by the first lady Melania Trump.

Defense secretary Jim Mattis and Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff are hosting a private observance for victims’ relatives at the Pentagon at 9:11am. Following a name-reading at the ceremony, a public observance will take place, with a wreath-laying and remarks.

Vice President Mike Pence and US Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke are scheduled to deliver remarks at the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This will take place on the rural field where one of the airlines crashed after passengers and crew fought to gain control over the hijacking terrorists, whose destined target was Washington.

Construction efforts go on at the Shanksville memorial, where, on Sunday, a 28 metre tall Tower of Voices was installed to honour the 33 passengers and seven crew members who died.