Trump strikes defiant tone 16 years after 9/11

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - President Donald Trump on Monday commemorated the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, telling those who would seek to harm the U.S., their efforts are futile.

“The terrorists who attacked us thought they could incite fear and weaken our spirit, but America cannot be intimidated, and those who try will soon join the long list of vanquished enemies who dared to test our mettle,” Trump said at a ceremony at the Pentagon.

"America does not bend, we do not waver, and we will never, ever yield,” he added.

Prior to the ceremony, he earlier observed a moment of silence with first lady Melania Trump at the White House.

The U.S. was hit by the deadliest attack on its soil when al-Qaeda operatives flew planes into the World Trade Center in New York's, and the Pentagon in northern Virginia. A fourth plane crashed in Pennsylvania when passengers attempted to overtake hijackers.

That plane was likely bound for either the White House or U.S. Capitol.

In all, 2,976 victims were killed.

Trump vowed that those who died did not pass in vain, telling their surviving loved ones the nation mourns with them.

“The living, breathing soul of America wept with grief for every life taken on that day,” Trump said. "Though we can never erase your pain, or bring back those you lost, we can honor their sacrifice by pledging our resolve to do whatever we must to keep our people safe."

Vice President Mike Pence will participate in a remembrance ceremony in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the fourth plane crashed.