Ceremonies mark 14th anniversary of Sept. 11th attacks

It's a somber, solemn day across America, 14 years since the terror attacks that took nearly 3,000 innocent lives.

Today we stop, we reflect, we remember 9/11 - the sacrifice, the loss and the heroism in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington DC.

14 years have come and gone, but on this day the wounds are just as deep as they were on 2001.

In Lower Manhattan family and friends gathered at the Freedom Tower in the footprint of the World Trade Center's Twin Towers.

Katie Cirillo's aunt passes away that day. She says, "It's a wonderful opportunity to come here, feel closure, feel close to everyone that's gone through the same thing that we have."

As they do every year, they read the names of the lives lost there.

Time has passed, but the memories of those who never made it home are still very fresh.

Cassidy Schuster lost her uncle. She tells us, "I just want to celebrate, at least my uncle's life. He was a great person and sadly he did leave, his daughter was a year-and-a-half year old."

There were also moments of silence marking major moments in the attacks 14 years ago, like when the plane struck the north tower at 8:46.

President Barack Obama and the first lady stepped out of the White House Friday morning to observe a moment of silence for the victims, including those on the hijacked plane that was flown into the Pentagon.

At the Pentagon, an American flag was unfurled, and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania the bells tolled.

The victims remembered one by one.

In Shanksville Governor Tom Wolf spoke of the heroism displayed that day. "What they did saved countless lives in Washington DC. What they did averted a terrible tragedy that would have taken place there had they acted as they did here," the governor said.

Closer to home there was brilliant singing as the city of Philadelphia honored the fallen. Firefighters and police marched through Old City to remember the thousands killed in 2001.

From services in Delaware County to Warminster Friday night where American flags were proudly on display, hearts were still heavy.