Today the increasingly bitter presidential campaign was suspended. The two political rivals bowed their heads at a makeshift memorial in the pit at Ground Zero. Earlier at 8:46 in the morning, the time the first plane hit the World Trade Center 7 years ago, bells across the city rang out.

New York paused to remember.

In all, there were full silences marking the moments of impact and when the towers collapsed. “I will miss you, mom, forever. I thank you for the lessons you taught me in life and in your death. Thank you.”

“Robert J. DeAngelis Junior”,“Tom Elizabeth”.

This is the last time families of the victims will be allowed on the site for the anniversary. “James DeBlase.” Work is due to begin soon on the permanent memorial called the Freedom Tower. “Simon Marash Dedvukaj. Jason Christopher DeFazio.”
 
More bells tolled in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where United 93 crashed into a field killing 40 passengers and crew. “I’ve had the great honor and privilege to witness great courage and sacrifice for America's sake, but none greater than the sacrifice of those good people who grasped the gravity of the moment, understood the threat, and decided to fight back at the cost of their lives.”

At the Pentagon, where 184 people died when American Airline 77 crashed into the perimeter wall, a memorial was dedicated by the president. “A doomed airliner plunged from the sky, split the rock and steel of this building, and changed our world forever. The years that followed have seen justice delivered to evil men and battles fought in distant lands.” The shattering events of 9/11 helped mold the legacy of the outgoing commander-in-chief. The repercussions will still be felt by his successor.

Robert Nisbet, Sky News, Washington.