Playing] so the pictures and the sounds as a wrap up this 9 11, fromanniversary ceremony new york city on cspan. We will show you all of todays memorials in its entirety this afternoon here on cspan. We areseeing seeing reactions from to she tweeted out this picture with her standing with a delegation along with secretary jeh johnson and hillary clinton. Hillary clinton attended the ceremony in new york this morning and left early, her campaign issuing a statement saying she left after feeling overheated, and is now feeling better. Another member from new york should this picture from the 9 11 memorial. There you see it. Hines tweeting this out in connecticut. Sharesntative elizabeth this picture with the caption, the beautiful september 11 memorial in newton. We also have congressional members tweeting videos, some hartzler of vicky anyi and senator senator of south dakota. Ofon friday, on the steps our nations capital, i joined colleagues remember those we lost in the senseless attack 15 years ago. As we sang, i was flooded with a motion. Bute of sadness and loss, also a gratitude and resolve. Today marks the 15th anniversary of the september terrorist attacks on america when almost 3000 americans lost their lives in new york, the pentagon, and a field in pennsylvania. We honor the victims of the senseless acts and their loved ones. We honor those who charged into the flames to help their fellow americans. And we honor those who risk or have given their lives since the fight to ensure we remain free from future attacks. We are afforded a unique perspective after 15 years, one of innocence lost, but american resolve found. We have met the generations test to stand for freedom against a tough challenge, and we have persevered. We are wiser, better, stronger. Today, as we remember the fallen, their families, the bravery of those who face countless lives on those dark days and those who are still fighting today, we stand united, dedicated to never forget, never give in, and never lose hope. May god surround and comfort those who lost so much of that day, and may he bless and protect our great nation. It is hard to believe it has been 15 years since 9 11. For many of us, we will never forget the memories of that day. Four be, i had breakfast in the pentagon for me, i had breakfast in the pentagon and left 20 minutes to for the plane hit. I remember getting back to my office on capitol hill and a policeman comes running through the halls saying, get out, get out, there is another one coming for us. And people streamed out into the streets not knowing what was happening, how many attacks there would be, or who might be affected. I remember going to new york a couple of weeks later, and the smell of the twin towers, which were still smoldering, is one of those smells that you could never, never forget. I keep a couple things in my office to help reminded me of that day. Flagf them is a little ribbon. I was given this a few days after the attacks of 9 11 when some of us went back over to the pentagon to honor those who lost their lives in that attack. But with this little ribbon, i also keep on my shelf in my office, a dog tag that was given to me by the parents of Sergeant Gary johnson from texas. He died defending the country against terrorists in 2007. But it is one reminder to me that a lot of brave men and women have served. Some have been injured, some had even died in trying to make sure there is not another 9 11 that kills more americans. So, this is a day to remember that awful day when america was attacked. But it is also a day to honor those who served our nation and try to make sure it never happens again. Day,remember early in the i was in the capitol complex, and our office was in the house lawn building. When it became clear what was going on, they evacuated the building. I have a very tragic alert right now. An incredible plane crash into the World Trade Center and the lower tip of manhattan. I remember talking to our youngest daughter. She had two questions dad, are we safe . Are we going to get the bad guys . The answer to the first question, was yes, we are safe. And the answer to the second question was, yes, we are going to get the bad guys. We enjoyed tremendous freedoms, tremendous religious and incredible good fortune living in this country and specifically living in south dakota. That does not happen by chance or accident. It happens because there are people out there every single day who are putting their lives on the line to make that possible. We are going to bring you an event that took place this morning outside the pentagon on the 15th anniversary of 9 11. We heard from president obama as well as defense secretary ash carter. Ladies and gentlemen, at this time, president barack obama, secretary ash carter and mrs. Stephanie carter, general joe dunford and mrs. Ellen dunford will take you to the life lost at the pentagon and on American Airlines flight 77 october 11, 2001. By placing a wreath at the pentagon memorial. [trumpet playing] ladies and gentlemen, please direct your attention to the flag on the pentagon building. It hangs today from sunrise to sunset and honor of patriot day, and in remembrance of the 184 lives lost at the pentagon. Ladies and gentlemen, the National Anthem of United States, performed by the United States army brass quintet. Ladies and gentlemen, margaret gibbon. Would you pray with me . God, we and eternal posit this day and is hallowed it monuments around the country to remember husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, children, brothers, sisters, friends term member the warmth of their to remember the warmth of their smiles and last words, the gift of their lives. Now help us never forget that it has been your grace that has allowed us the time we were able to share, which has enabled us to hold onto the fondest memories, and provides us moments like this to cherish forever. God, we posit this day to remember, to remember those who first responded, the unsung heroes, civilian and military, emergency services, Law Enforcement, who fought valiantly that day to preserve the countless lies trapped within these walls, and those who over the last 15 years across the globe, sacrificed their lives, defending the freedom our enemies sought and still seek to destroy. Help us to never forget the examples of courage and fortitude these men and women demonstrated in the face of danger and hardship. North to forget the ideals that have defined our nation, which they died to defend and which are now the responsibility of every american citizen to uphold. And now, as we remember, we ask you not to forget us. Allow your will to transform our memorial into a lasting commitment to those whom we have lost. To the nation that you have preserved. And to a future defined by the values we hold dear. It is in the strength of your name we pray, amen. Ladies and gentlemen, 15 years ago, at nine 30 7 a. M. , the pentagon was attacked. Us in observing the moment of silence for those who perished. Ladies and gentlemen, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, joe dunford. General joe dunford. Mr. Dunford mr. President , secretary and mrs. Carter, distinguished guests, and most important to the family and friends of those we lost on september 2001, those who survived the attack on the pentagon, good morning. It has been said that the manner in which the Community Cares for its fallen reflects the peoples respect for their land and a loyalty to high ideals. We are here in that spirit to honor those who lost their lives on 9 11. To maintain our commitment to never forget. And to demonstrate our loyalty to high ideals. Whether they were ordinary citizens going about their daily lives, or those in uniform serving to protect our values and way of life, those we lost 15 years ago today were killed for what they believed, what they represented. Over the years, i have heard the attacks of 9 11 described by some as senseless acts, and perhaps it does seem cell phones for those who have endured the loss of a spouse, father, mother, brother, sister, or friend. But to the individuals who conducted these acts, the loss of life was not senseless. The terrorists who struck on 9 11 did so with a sense of purpose. They did so in a direct attack on our way of life and on our values. So, as we recall the events that took place 15 years ago, those still serving should ask for god s blessing on those who died, those who continue suffering from injuries, and those were left behind. We should also recall who we are, what we do, and why we serve. Soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, coast guard men, and Civil Service serve because of our belief in high ideals. And we serve to protect our families, friends, and fellow citizens. Years ahead, the recalling the memories of 9 11 leaves us with a renewed sense of commitment to our values, and todays gathering or binds us of how important it is to defend those values, then those who were taken from us prematurely will be able to look down and no their lives had meaning. It will be able to take pride in how we are carrying on their legacy. It is now my privilege to introduce someone who has spent his life in service, our secretary of defense, the honorable Ashton Carter. [applause] Ashton Carter today, we returned to the site of an attack motivated by barbarism and hate. Worldack that rattled the , that shook this might he building that shook this mighty building and took lies at the pentagon as well as thousands in new york and pennsylvania. Dunford,dent, chairman honored guests, family and friends of those we lost on 9 11, today we come together as we have if as we have every year since 2001. We come term member those we lost that day and stand with friends and family to honor those we will never forget. We come together to reflect on all we have done together to recover and rebuild, to respond and to retaliate. And we come together to recommit to our hard, but certain mission, to protect our country and our people, and to make a better world for our children. To all of those here before us who lost loved ones 15 years ago, our hearts and deepest sorrows are with you. We know that we can never fully know what you feel on this solemn day and you return to this place. But we do know that we fully know what your loved ones sacrifice means to our department and to our country. And what your resolve means to all of us as become to work each day to continue the mission your fallen loved ones summoned us to , as we do, your example makes us stronger, and for that, we are grateful. We need that strength, and we have that resolve as we continue to confront and defeat those who conspire to attack us then, and all who aspire to do so today. Indeed, when someone strikes at the heart of what we stand for, we respond with the full might of the finest fighting force the world has ever known. Because our memory is long, and our reach in resolve are endless, our enemies cannot hide, they cannot escape, they cannot endure. Wherever they are, they will surely, no matter how long it takes, come to feel the righteous fists of american might. Many september 11, 2001, of americas s men and women have volunteered to respond to those attacks and to defend what is best about American Civilization itself. Our freedoms, our values, our care for life, our way of life. It is because of those americans, their service and sacrifice, that the United States have hammered those who have attack as with every measure of american power,hoking terrorists networks and bringing Osama Bin Laden to justice eternal. It is because of those americans that 15 years later, as the threat of terrorism involves, our fight continues. Whether they still call themselves al qaeda, or cloak themselves the need a black flag of what nothing changes we do to protect our country. We possess limitless resolve to win, and the wind of goodness at our backs. It is because of those americans, that even as we confront the forces of darkness, the United States has continued to light the way toward a better future. Whether the long battle against terrorists, our men and women in uniform steadfast ever, have provided the security and upheld the values that have allowed many upon million of people, not just in United States, but around the world, to be safe, to raise their children to dream their dreams, to live lives that are full. ,s a result, decades from now when visitors to this memorial pause to remember the life lost on september 11, 2001, they too will honor the men and women of the 9 11 generation, and give thanks for all the have accomplished. They will forever be the true reflection of who we are as a nation, and a military. A powerful memorial to those lost 15 years ago, and a charge to us at a time of great change and challenge, that we must continue to meet. Dedicated to more doing so that our commanderinchief. Taken eachbama has year now of his presidency the time for member 9 11. Here orhere, whether in new york, he is never missed a year, not one. He has also never forgotten that day those we lost. I continue that no one pays more care each and every time he send men and women fourth from this building into harms way. I can tell you that he never relaxes in pursuit of those who threaten america. Those,and gentlemen, for themany other reasons, president of United States, barack obama. [applause] pres. Obama good morning. Good morning. Pres. Obama scripture tells us let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you. Write them on the tablet of your heart. Secretary carter, chairman dunford, outstanding members of our armed forces, and most of all, survivors of that september day and the families of those we lost, it is a great honor, once again, to be with you on this day. A day that i know is still difficult, but reveals the love ,nd faithfulness in your hearts and in the heart of our nation. We remember, and we will never forget, nearly 3000 beautiful lives taken from us so cruelly. Women, and84 men, children here. The youngest, just three years old. We honor the courage of those who put themselves in harms way to save people they never knew. Prayer andether in gratitude for the strength that has fortified us across the 15 years. And we renew the love and the faith that binds us together as one american family. 15 years may seem like a long families who the lost a piece of their heart that day, i imagine it can seem like just yesterday. Perhaps it is the memory of a last kiss given to a spouse, or the last goodbye to a mother or father, a sister, or a brother. We wonder how their lives might have unfolded, how their dreams might have taken shape . And i am mindful that no words we offer or deeds we do good ever truly erase the pain of their absence. Yet you, survivors, and families of 9 11, your steadfast love and faithfulness has been an inspiration to me and to our entire country. Even as you mourned, you summoned strength to carry on. In the names of those you have lost, you started scholarships and volunteered in your communities, and done your best to be a good neighbor, and a good friend, and a good citizen. And in your grief and grace, you would find it us that together, it is nothing that we as americans cannot overcome. The question for us is how do we preserve the legacy of those we lost . How do we live up to their example . How do we keep their spirit alive in our own hearts . Answer inave seen the a generation of americans. Our men and women in uniform, diplomats, intelligence, Homeland Security and Law Enforcement professionals, all who have stepped forward to serve, and to have risked and given their lives to keep us safe. Thanks to their store neri service, we have dealt devastating blows to al qaeda. We delivered justice to Osama Bin Laden. We strengthened our Homeland Security prevented attacks and saved lives. To continue doing everything in our power to protect this country that we love. Today, we once again pay tribute to these patriots, both military and civilian, who served in our name, including those far away from home in afghanistan and iraq. Perhaps most of all the state to to the spirit of this day by defending not only our country, but also our ideals. 15 years into this fight, the. Hreat has evolved wit with her stronger defenses, terrorist attempt attacks on a smaller, but still deadly scale. Encourageeologies people to commit unspeakable violence. We have warned the loss of innocence from boston to San Bernardino to orlando. Qaeda, like i sil, know that they will never be able to defeat a nation is great and as strong as america. Instead, they try to terrorize in the hopes that they can still they stoke enough fear that we will turn on each other, and change who we are, or how we live. And that is why it is so important today that we reaffirm our character as a nation. People drawn from every corner of the world, every color, every religion, every background. Found by a creed as old as our , we are one. Diversity, that our our patchwork heritage is not a weakness, it is still, and always will be, one of our greatest strengths. This is the america that was attacked that september morning. Mustis the america that we remain true to. Across our country today, americans are coming together in service and remembrance. We run our fingers over the names a memorial benches here at the pentagon. We walk the Hallowed Grounds of a pennsylvania field. We look up from the gleaming tower that pierces the new york city skyline. But in the end, the most enduring memorial to those we lost is ensuring the american and we continue to be. That we stay true to ourselves. That we stay true to what is best in us. That we do not let others divide us. Day fork this solemn the last time as president , i americanshink of stories that i have been humbled to know that embody the true spirit of 9 11. Of wells, justge 24 years old, in the south tower, the man in the red bandanna who spent his final moments hoping strangers to safety before the towers fell. It is the resilient of the avenue,e on eighth patriots who lost a dozen men, but suit up every day. It is the love of a daughter whos father, in his last moments on the phone from the towers, told her, i will always be watching over you. It is the resolve of those navy seals who major justice was finally done. Who served as we must live as a nation, getting each others backs, looking out for each other, united, one mission, one team. The ultimate sacrifice of men women who americans who gave their lives in faraway places so we could be here today, strong and free, and proud. It is all of us. Ev