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Obama to participate in 9/11 Memorial wreath laying ceremony

A man views construction at the World Trade Center site as the new One World Trade Center rises behind after the death of accused 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden May 3, 2011
A man views construction at the World Trade Center site as the new One World Trade Center rises behind after the death of accused 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden May 3, 2011. Getty Images

On his trip to New York City Thursday, President Obama will participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial, the White House announced today.

Following the ceremony, the president will meet privately with family members of the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He'll also meet with first responders from the attack.

Mr. Obama's trip to New York follows a Navy SEAL raid on Sunday that killed Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of the al Qaeda attack that killed roughly 3,000 people.

The president invited former President George W. Bush to join him at the site of destroyed World Trade Center towers on Thursday, but Mr. Bush declined the invitation. Bush spokesman David Sherzer said the former president appreciated the offer to attend.

"He appreciated the invite, but has chosen in his post-presidency to remain largely out of the spotlight," Sherzer said. "He continues to celebrate with all Americans this important victory in the war on terror."

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