NEW YORK – Family members of September 11 victims recited loved ones’ names through tears on the ninth anniversary of the attacks yesterday, avoiding direct mention of the political furore centred two blocks from ground zero. Soon after, demonstrations began over the mosque planned for the spot.
After the ceremony, around 1 000 activists rallied about five blocks from the site of the 2001 attacks to support the proposed Islamic community centre. A smaller group of opponents rallied nearby, chanting, “USA! USA!”
Speaking at “hallowed ground” at the Pentagon, President Barack Obama alluded to the controversy over a mosque – and a Florida pastor’s threat, later rescinded, to burn copies of the Muslim holy book. He made it clear that the United States was not at war with Islam and called the al-Qaida attackers “a sorry band of men” who perverted religion.
“We will not give in to their hatred,” Obama said. “As Americans, we will not or ever be at war with Islam.”
Family members gathering at observances in New York and Pennsylvania brought flowers, pictures of loved ones and American flags, but no signs of opposition or support for the mosque.
Reading victims’ names along with architects and construction workers rebuilding at ground zero in New York, they urged a restrained tone.
“Let today never, ever be a national holiday. Let it not be a celebration,” said Karen Carroll, who lost her brother, firefighter Thomas Kuveikis. “It’s a day to be sombre; it’s a day to reflect on all those thousands of people that died for us in the United States.”
Toting signs saying, The attack on Islam is racism and Tea Party Bigots funded by Corporate $, protesters gathered about an hour after the New York anniversary ceremony ended near City Hall and planned to march closer to ground zero.
At the anti-mosque rally nearby, some participants wore clothing featuring stars and stripes, and some carried signs with messages including It stops here and Never forgive, never forget, no WTC mosque.
At the anniversary ceremony, stifling sobs in front of microphones, some September 11 family members who read names sought to emphasise sentiments on all sides of the mosque argument. (AP)