At ground zero, hundreds of victims' relatives and dignitaries gathered to hear the reading the names of the nearly 3,000 people killed under an overcast sky that shrouded the 1,776-foot-tall top of One World Trade Center, the centerpiece of the rebuilt site.
"It doesn't get easier. The grief never goes away. You don't move forward - it always stays with you," said Tom Acquaviva, of Wayne, New Jersey, who lost his son Paul Acquaviva.
President Barack Obama spoke at an observance at the Pentagon. Hundreds of people also were expected at a ceremony at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Pres. Obama's full remarks at Pentagon on 9/11 anniversary: "Write them on the tablet of your heart." #NeverForget https://t.co/8djtyxQj4Q
— ABC News (@ABC) September 11, 2016
.@mayoredlee, @SFPDChief @sffdpio Chief Hayes unveil a remnant of #WTC to honor 1st responders. #SFPD #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/ZMXJF26K3c
— San Francisco Police (@SFPD) September 11, 2016
Nearly 3,000 people died when hijacked planes slammed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field near Shanksville on Sept. 11, 2001. It was the deadliest terror attack on American soil.
The 15th anniversary arrives in a country caught up in a combustible political campaign, but the nation tries to put partisan politics on hold on the anniversary.
PHOTOS: Striking ray of light beams off WTC days before 9/11 anniversary
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican rival Donald Trump both were at the anniversary ceremony at the World Trade Center. Neither candidate was expected to make public remarks at a ceremony where politicians have been allowed to attend, but not speak, since 2011.
Clinton and Trump also followed a custom of halting television ads for the day.
We pause to remember those lost in the 9/11 attacks 15 years ago today. #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/bWxHgO1C9z
— ABC News (@ABC) September 11, 2016
While ground zero and the nation around it are forever marked but greatly changed since 9/11, the anniversary ceremony itself has become one of the constants in how America remembers the attacks after 15 years.
Organizers planned some additional music and readings Sunday to mark the milestone year. But they were keeping close to what are now traditions: moments of silence and tolling bells, an apolitical atmosphere and the hourslong reading of the names of the dead.
"This idea of physical transformation is so real here," Sept. 11 memorial President Joe Daniels said this week. But on this Sept. 11 itself, "bringing the focus back to why we did all this - which is to honor those that were lost - is something very intentional."
The simple, reverential observance may be the norm now, but city officials fielded about 4,500 suggestions - including a Broadway parade honoring rescue workers and a one-minute blackout of all of Manhattan - while planning the first ceremony in 2002.
Pres. Obama: "Beautiful lives" lost on 9/11 will not be forgotten https://t.co/0Gf0CIfrLS #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/gdoRx3pdNE
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) September 11, 2016
Financial and other hurdles delayed the redevelopment of the Trade Center site early on, but now the 9/11 museum, three of four currently planned skyscrapers, an architecturally adventuresome transportation hub and shopping concourse and other features stand at the site. A design for a long-stalled, $250 million performing arts center was unveiled Thursday.
Around the Trade Center, lower Manhattan now has dozens of new hotels and eateries, 60,000 more residents and ever-more visitors than before 9/11.
Click here for more stories on the anniversary of 9/11.
.@POTUS: "We stay true to the spirit of this day by defending not only our country but also our ideals." https://t.co/qXjrtJ6srf
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) September 11, 2016
.@POTUS praises troops on 9/11 anniversary: "We pay tribute to these patriots." https://t.co/qXjrtJo3iN #NeverForget https://t.co/s7nAFpRWEO
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) September 11, 2016
.@POTUS: "Our diversity, our patchwork heritage, is not a weakness. It is still and always will be one of our greatest strengths."
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) September 11, 2016
Join us today as we #Remember911 and the sacrifices made by the first responders who answered the call. #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/tLWpaw6YDi
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) September 11, 2016
#UnitedWeStand #WeRemember #September11 https://t.co/wgrmn5uozk pic.twitter.com/55K6OPa0aI
— CHP Golden Gate (@CHP_GoldenGate) September 11, 2016
We remember and honor those lives lost on September 11, 2001. #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/26iCJKk62q
— Mountain View Police (@MountainViewPD) September 11, 2016
In memory of the victims of 9/11 & first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice.Let us never forget #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/VMYF7gBXuk
— Livermore PD (@LivermorePolice) September 11, 2016
SMPD Honor Guard lowering the flags to half staff in remembrance of Sept 11. We will never forget their sacrifice 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/eYxOaQH4BQ
— San Mateo PD (@SanMateoPD) September 11, 2016
— PaloAltoFire (@PaloAltoFire) September 11, 2016
#MHPD will #NeverForget. pic.twitter.com/zdTxizu80p
— Morgan Hill PD (@MorganHillPD) September 11, 2016