Obama to speak at National Cathedral on September 11

President Barack Obama

/ JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will participate in a day-long series of events commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The White House had previously announced Mr. Obama's plans to visit New York's Ground Zero, the site of the United Flight 93 crash in Western Pennsylvania and the Pentagon memorial.

Today, a spokesman confirmed Mr. Obama and Michelle will also attend the "Concert of Hope" at the National Cathedral on the evening of September 11. The president will deliver remarks that will mark the end of the solemn observance.

Complete coverage: 9/11 anniversary

Speaking to reporters as the president traveled to Minneapolis, Press Secretary Jay Carney said, "the approach we're taking to commemorating that tragedy and the remarkable resilience of the American people is one we think is appropriate." Mr. Obama planned to use a speech to the American Legion Convention in Minnesota to salute the "9/11 generation of veterans."

The New York Times reported the White House has formulated detailed guidance for government officials participating on events commemorating the anniversary of the day of terror. The document directs officials to remember those who died and to thank law enforcement, the military and intelligence agencies for their efforts since the horrific attacks. According to the newspaper, the White House also wants to emphasize "the importance of national service and what the government has done to prevent another major attack in the United States."

Mr. Obama used his most recent weekly address to set the tone for the upcoming observance. He noted 9/11 "will be a National Day of Service and Remembrance." He also discussed "taking the fight to al Qaeda..." In today's airborne briefing, spokesman Carney mentioned "the utter rejection of the ideology of al Qaeda" and how the government was "vigilant in protecting the homeland and the American people."

[zoharme]

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[Palrak]

"Solemn observance" at the National Cathedral? Wow! Another photo-op. No prayers are allowed at Ground Zero that day. First responders haven't been invited. I wonder if a prayer will be said, and by whom, at the Cathedral? Will our illegal president deign to at least bow his head?

[Zann-Zel]

the end of the solemn observance.
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What does that mean exactly?
We aren't supposed to be solemn about it next year?
It will Always be a solemn observance!