Thursday marks the 13th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks and the city of Boston is among those honoring the 3,000 people lost in the tragedy.
The attacks hold a strong connection with Boston, not only because of the 210 people connected to Massachusetts who died that day.
The two planes that struck the twin towers — United Airlines Flight 175 and American Airlines Flight 11 — took off from Boston’s Logan International Airport the morning of the attacks. More than 150 people were aboard the planes, which were both headed to Los Angeles.
Mayor Marty Walsh told people gathered at an early morning wreath-laying ceremony at Boston Public Garden that the day would never be an easy one for the city.
"I want to thank the families of the 206 people connected to Massachusetts," Walsh said. "I want to thank the families of the 3,000 loved ones who were lost on that horrific day."
Bagpipers from the Boston Fire Department played and the Boston Fire Department Quartet sang "God Bless America" as victims' families honored their loved ones.
At 8:30, there was a flag-lowering ceremony at the Massachusetts State House led by Gov. Deval Patrick. The names of the 210 people from Massachusetts who died on Sept. 11 were read. During this event, at 8:46, the moment the first plane hit the World Trade Center, a moment of silencewas held.
U.S. & World
At 9:30 in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, there will be a special memorial service for victims’ families and survivors.
