The White House has issued guidelines on how the upcoming tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks should be commemorated.
In his weekly television address, President Obama spoke about rekindling the spirit of unity that prevailed in the country in the days after the horrific attacks.
We’ll also recall how the worst terrorist attack in American history brought out the best in the American people. How Americans lined up to give blood. How volunteers drove across the country to lend a hand. How schoolchildren donated their savings. How communities, faith groups and businesses collected food and clothing.
We were united, and the outpouring of generosity and compassion reminded us that in times of challenge, we Americans move forward together, as one people.
The White House has issued two sets of guidelines - one for overseas audiences marking the anniversary abroad, and one for Americans.
The New York Times reports that the domestic guidelines outline the themes that ceremonies marking the anniversary should touch on.
Officials are instructed to memorialize those who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and thank those in the military, law enforcement, intelligence or homeland security for their contributions since.
Politico reports that the guidelines - which have been issued to all federal agencies, urge those staging memorial ceremonies to emphasize the "steps have been taken to prevent another Sept. 11-style attack in the U.S."