At the memorial garden at the Pentagon, President Obama and Michelle Obama participated in a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the 184 people who died when American Airlines Flight 77 slammed into the military headquarters. They were joined by relatives of the victims, members of the military and others.

 

Mr. Obama made brief remarks during the roughly 30-minute event. “No matter how many years pass, no matter how many times we come together on this hallowed ground, know this — that you will never be alone,” Mr. Obama told relatives of the slain. “Your loved ones will never be forgotten. They will endure in the hearts of our nation, because through their sacrifice, they helped us make the America we are today — an America that has emerged even stronger.”

 

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were among those who joined the first couple at the ceremony. 

 

Mr. Panetta said the United States is safer from terrorists today than 11 years ago. “And we will continue to fight them – in Yemen, in North Africa and in other places they try to hide,” Mr. Panetta said. “We will never stop until we are sure America is safe.”