Mourners gathered in the US today to mark the eighth anniversary of the September 11th 2001 attacks.
Skies were grey in New York City, at the Pentagon and at the crash site of United Airlines Flight 93 in a Shanksville, Pennsylvania, field, where now-familiar ceremonies honoured the nearly 3,000 people who were lost.
Today was the first time the anniversary was observed as a national day of service, following an order signed this year by US President Barack Obama.
"From this day forward, we will safeguard the memories of those who died by rekindling the spirit of service that lit our city with hope and helped keep us strong," New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said at a ceremony in lower Manhattan.
President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama observed a moment of silence in honour of 9/11 victims outside the White House.
A Washington rain came to a stop as the observance began at 8.46am (1246 GMT), the moment the first plane struck the World Trade Centre on September 11th, 2001. Later, in the rain, he placed a wreath at the Pentagon.
The nation, he said, came together as one after the terrorist attacks, "united not only in our grief but in our resolve to stand up for the country we love."
Mr Obama sought to rally Americans behind the war in Afghanistan as opinion polls show faltering public support for the conflict.
"Let us renew our resolve against those who perpetrated this barbaric act and plot against us still," he said.
"In pursuit of al Qaeda and its extremist allies we will never falter."
At a plaza adjacent to Ground Zero in New York City, families gathered in the rain, with their umbrellas whipping inside out, while the names of the Trade Centre victims were read, pausing for moments of silence at the minutes the jetliners crashed into the towers.
People involved in volunteer work across the nation joined relatives of victims to read the names of those lost in the twin towers.
One reader represented a group called New York Says Thank You, which sends volunteers from New York City each year on the attacks anniversary to help rebuild communities around the country affected by disasters as a way to send thanks for the help that came to New York City after September 11th.
Other readers were from local soup kitchens, advocacy groups and well-known service organisations including the American Red Cross and the United Way.
As has become tradition, relatives who read names called out greetings and messages of love to the lost.
"We miss you; life will never be the same without you. This is not the rain," said Vladimir Boyarsky, whose son, Gennady Boyarsky, was killed. "This is the tears."
In New York City, vice president Joe Biden spoke during a pause in the reading of the names, telling the several hundred victims' relatives gathered that "there's a special fraternity for those of us who've lost spouses and children".
Mr Biden's daughter and first wife died in a 1972 automobile accident.
Before he spoke, Mr Biden joined families who were laying flowers in a reflecting pool on the site where the towers once stood.
Relatives and friends of victims were allowed today to visit the plaza for the September 11th memorial that is under construction. It is expected to be partially complete and open for the 10th anniversary.
"It doesn't matter what kind of weather there is. I would be here either way. It's a way to come together and find a common place," said Elaine Dejesus of Clifton, New Jersey. She carried a framed photo of Nereida Dejesus, who was her sister and best friend.
Ms Dejesus, wiping tears off her cheeks, said the anniversaries don't get any easier.
"For me, it's just the same as it was the first day," she said. "There are days I just sit there and cry. But I also remember the fun times and what she would want us to do."
Drawing on the spirit that spurred volunteers to rush to the towers, Americans looked for ways to help each other on a day better known for mourning the thousands of people killed in the nation's worst terrorist attack.
Teresa Mathai, whose husband, Joseph Mathai, died at the World Trade Centre, planned to grieve at a morning wreath-laying ceremony in Boston and hear his name read out loud. Then she planned to install drywall at a home in south Boston with Habitat for Humanity, one of thousands of volunteer efforts planned since September 11th was declared a national day of service.
"Everyone has a different way of mourning," she said. "Some people keep it absolutely sacred. For me, this is something that gives us solace."
The combination of mourning and national giving was troubling to some who feared the volunteerism would overshadow a sombre day to remember the four hijacked jetliners that crashed into the twin towers, the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field, killing nearly 3,000 people, most in New York.
"When I first heard about it, I was concerned," said Debra Burlingame, whose brother was the pilot of the American Airlines jet that crashed into the Pentagon. "I fear, I greatly fear, at some point we'll transition to turning it into Earth Day where we go and plant trees and the remembrance part will become smaller and smaller and smaller."
George Bush, who had been president when the September 11th attack occurred, had no public appearances planned today, and a spokesman said he would be working in his office during the morning.
In a brief statement, he said he and his wife, Laura, were thinking of the victims and their families.
"We honour those who volunteer to keep us safe and extend the reach of freedom - including members of the armed forces, law enforcement officers, and intelligence and homeland security professionals," the statement said. "Their courage, service, and sacrifice is a fitting tribute to all those who gave their lives on September 11th, 2001. On this day, let us renew our determination to prevent evil from returning to our shores."
Agencies