The President, Mrs McAleese, spoke today of the deep shock and sadness at Tuesday’s devastating terrorist attacks against the United States.
She said the horrible scenes represent an attack on the very foundations of our human dignity.
In a statement, Mrs McAleese said the National Day of Mourning is a "special opportunity for all of us to show solidarity with our brothers and sisters" in the US.
She said our embassy and consulates in the US and Government Departments are "deeply involved in providing caring assistance to our Irish family here and in the United States and we thank them for the kindness and sensitivity with which they go about this difficult work".
The President also spoke of the special place the US has in the hearts of Irish people, "the roots go down through the centuries and are as strong today as they ever were".
Mrs McAleese attended a special commerative service in the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin today at 10.30 a.m.