Bush, Pentagon observe moment of silence for 9/11 victims

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Source: CCTV.com | 09-12-2007 08:42

U.S. President George W. Bush observes a moment of silence at the White House on the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks in Washington September 11, 2007. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

The sixth anniversary of the September 11th attacks has been marked by moments of silence across Washington, DC.

At the White House, US President George W. Bush and Vice-President Dick Cheney joined by their wives, walked to the centre of the White House South Lawn for a moment of silence.

Surrounded by White House staff, guests and current and former cabinet members, the president paused for a moment of silence and a hymn, and then returned to the White House.

At the Pentagon, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Peter Pace led the official ceremonies.

Following a moment of silence, Gates spoke about the commitment of the military to defend the US.

US secretary of defense, Robert Gates said, "As we contemplate the challenges ahead, together we share a profound sense of duty brought once again into sharp relief today. It is a duty to our nation, it is a duty to our fellow countrymen, it is a duty to those who perished here six years ago."

On Capitol Hill, where General David Petraeus is testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the surge policy in Iraq, Chairman Joseph Biden called for a moment of silence for the victims of September 11.

The total number of victims killed six years ago was 2,974.