New York, Sep 12 (NationPress) In a solemn remembrance, the US has vowed to protect its nation and freedom, reflecting on the devastating attacks that occurred 24 years ago, perpetrated by Islamic terrorists whose leader was sheltered in Pakistan.

"We shall rise higher, grow stronger, and fight with unwavering resolve. Together, we will unite as one people, sharing one heart, one fate, one flag, and one glorious destiny under the watchful gaze of Almighty God," stated US President Donald Trump on Thursday.

"We will stand firm for the nation they served, the values they defended, and the freedom for which they sacrificed their lives," he continued, paying tribute to the victims and the first responders, many of whom continue to struggle with severe health issues due to toxic fumes from the debris.

Ironically, the tributes for the 9/11 al-Qaeda attack coincided with recent incidents of domestic terrorism, including the tragic death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Wednesday.

Trump's commemoration at the Pentagon—one of the three sites scarred by the 9/11 attacks—was marked by heightened security, moving the event inside the defense headquarters rather than at its usual outdoor location.

"On that tragic day, ruthless assailants struck at the heart of our civilization. Yet, here in Virginia [at the Pentagon], in New York, and in the skies above Pennsylvania, Americans stood resolute," he remarked, contrasting the unity seen after 9/11 with the current political discord.

"Today, as one nation, we reaffirm our solemn promise to never forget September 11, 2001," he added.

At memorial ceremonies held at the three attack sites, bells rang at the time of the attacks, and the names of the 2,977 victims were read aloud with reverence.

Among those lost were approximately 250 individuals of Indian descent, including 32 born in India.

Across the country, commemorations were held at memorials dedicated to the victims of this catastrophic event that remains etched in the national consciousness.

On that fateful day, 19 hijackers from al-Qaeda commandeered four commercial aircraft; two crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York.

Another was directed toward the Pentagon, but passengers heroically subdued the hijackers, resulting in the plane crashing into a Pennsylvania field before reaching its intended target in Washington.

Osama bin Laden, the notorious mastermind behind the attacks, found refuge in Pakistan, where the US ultimately sought vengeance by tracking him down and eliminating him near a military facility.

At Ground Zero in Manhattan, FBI Director Kash Patel attended the remembrance ceremony before departing for Utah to oversee the investigation into Kirk's assassination.