JOIN US"On this 10th anniversary, we still face great challenges as a nation. We're emerging from the worst economic crisis in our lifetimes," Obama said in his weekly address to the nation.
"We're taking the fight to al-Qaeda, ending the war in Iraq and starting to bring our troops home from Afghanistan. We are working to rebuild the foundation of our national strength here at home. None of this will be easy," he said.
Obama asked Americans to come together in the spirit of service and remembrance of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attack 10 years ago.
"In just two weeks, we'll come together, as a nation, to mark the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. We'll remember the innocent lives we lost. We'll stand with the families who loved them," Obama said.
"And it can't be the work of government alone. As we saw after 9/11, the strength of America has always been the character and compassion of our people. So as we mark this solemn anniversary, let's summon that spirit once more.
And let's show that the sense of common purpose that we need in America doesn't have to be a fleeting moment; it can be a lasting virtue—not just on one day, but every day," Obama said.
We'll honour the heroic first responders who rushed to the scene and saved so many and we'll pay tribute to our troops and military families, and all those who have served over the past ten years, to keep us safe and strong, he said.
"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," Obama said.
"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," said Obama, who along with the First Lady would be at the Ground Zero.
Once again, 9/11 will be a National Day of Service and Remembrance and in the days and weeks ahead, folks across the country—in all 50 states—will come together, in their communities and neighbourhoods, to honour the victims of 9/11 and to reaffirm the strength of our nation with acts of service and charity, he said.
"There are so many ways to get involved, and every American can do something. To learn more about the opportunities where you live, just go online and visit Serve. gov.
Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honour those we lost; a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11," Obama said.