Lower Manhattan, the world marks 9/11 anniversary

With The Star-Spangled Banner, a bagpipe tribute and a moment of silence, a ceremony marking the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks solemnly kicked off in Lower Manhattan on Thursday.

The White House marked the anniversary with a moment of silence.

 Events also took place at the Pentagon and the field in Shanksville, Pa., where the other planes crashed that day.

In New York, the roll call of the victims began shortly after 8:46 a.m., the same time 13 years ago that the first plane hit the north tower of the World Trade Center.

Since the 9/11 memorial plaza opened in 2011, more than 15 million people have visited the site, said Michael Frazier, a spokesman for the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center Foundation. In May, the 9/11 museum opened to the public and nearly one million people have visited.

Thursday, the museum was opened only to family members. However, at 6 p.m. the public will be allowed to visit the plaza.

In Washington, President Obama and members of his staff honored the victims of 9/11 at 8:46 a.m. with a moment of silence on the South Lawn of the White House.

 The solemn ceremony took place at 8:46 a.m. A bell tolled and a military bugler played Taps as the president, first lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Biden, and aides stood with hands over hearts.

Obama then spoke at a Pentagon commemoration hosted by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey.

 A moment of silence was observed at 9:37 a.m., the moment a jet hit the Pentagon.

"Over more than a decade of war, this 9/11 generation has answered our country's call," Obama said. "Today, we honor all who have made the ultimate sacrifice over these 13 years."

In Shanksville, Pa. The Flight 93 National Memorial will be open to the public all day.

 An observance there included the reading of the names of Flight 93 passengers and crew, ringing of Bells of Remembrance, a wreath laying and brief remarks by former House speaker Dennis Hastert.