Silence, Tears Mark 9/11 in New York

Bustling streets in lower Manhattan fell silent at 0846 hours Friday, as New York joined in prayer, for those that lost their lives in the macabre attack on the World Trade Center twin towers on this day eight years ago.

Thick rain clouds, hovering over the under construction memorial at Ground Zero, did not stop victims’ relatives from reaching the site, as bells around the metropolis, tolled to ring in the charged moment that saw memories translate themselves into tears and stream down cheeks, young and old.

Four, minute-long silences were observed, and names of all 2,752 victims were read out.

“From this day forward, we will safeguard the memories of those who died by rekindling the spirit of service that lit our city with hope and helped keep us strong,” said New York mayor Michael Bloomberg.