President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden joined the White House staff in a moment of silence to mark the 13th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. After, they placed their hands over their hearts as a military bugler played "Taps."

Later in the morning, the president delivered remarks at the Pentagon, during which he acknowledged the 125 lives lost there on that fateful day and also honored their survivors and first responders.

Obama also said that such tragic events only serve to make the nation stronger.

"Thirteen years after small and hateful minds conspired to break us, America stands tall and America stands proud. And guided by the values that sustain us, we will only grow stronger. Generations from now, Americans will still fill our parks, our stadiums, our cities," the president said. "Generations from now, Americans will still build towers that reach toward the heavens; still serve in embassies that stand for freedom around the world; still wear the uniform and give meaning to those words written two centuries ago: Land of the free. Home of the Brave. Generations from now, no matter the trial, no matter the challenge, America will always be America. We count as blessed those who have persevered.” 

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(Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)