Obama calls for unity on 9/11 anniversary

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama Saturday called on Americans to come together as the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks approaches.

In his weekly radio and Internet address, the president spoke of the sense of unity Americans felt in the weeks after the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington.

"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," he said.

The president said he and his wife, Michelle, plan to attend ceremonies this year in New York, Washington and western Pennsylvania, where a hijacked jet crashed after passengers attempted to retake it.

"But even if you can't be in New York, Pennsylvania or Virginia, every American can be part of this anniversary," Obama said. "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 neighborhoods, to honor the victims of 9/11 and to reaffirm the strength of our nation with acts of service and charity."