Obama commemorates 9/11 in NY, Penn, DC

President Obama prepared for today’s 9/11 commemorations by visiting Arlington cemetery, volunteering at a Washington food bank, urging supporters to devote more time to public service — and conducting a national security meeting about terrorist threats on this somber anniversary. Obama “directed his team to pursue vigorously all threat information and to ensure a heightened state of vigilance and preparedness as we commemorate the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks,” said a White House readout of Saturday’s national security meeting.

“The President also stressed that the United States must not relax its counter-terrorism efforts in the weeks and months that follow, as the safety and security of the American people must be a daily priority for all departments and agencies,” the White House added.

The president and first lady Michelle Obama begin today by traveling to New York City to attend a 9/11 commemoration ceremony at the new September 11 Memorial, where the twin towers of the World Trade Center once stood.

The Obamas then journey to Shanksville, Pa., for a memorial ceremony honoring the passengers who died in the crash of United Flight 93 after fighting back against hijackers.

Later this afternoon, the Obamas will attend a wreath laying ceremony at Pentagon, also attacked ten years ago today.

Obama wraps up the day with remarks during tonight’s “Concert for Hope” at the Kennedy Center in Washington.

President Obama on Saturday at DC Central Kitchen.

In preparing for today’s events on Saturday, the president and Mrs. Obama visited the graves of service members at Arlington National Cemetery. “On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of 9/11, the President believes that it is important for all Americans to honor those who have served since 9/11, to remember those lives we have lost, and to support their families,” said a White House statement.

The Obamas and their daughters later visited DC Central Kitchen, which prepares and delivers more than 5,000 meals a day to homeless shelters, transitional homes, halfway houses, and senior citizen centers. The visit highlighted the presidential declaration of Sept. 11 as a “National Day of Service and Remembrance.”

As he scooped chicken sausage gumbo onto serving pans, Obama told reporters he wanted to “focus on the fact that outstanding programs like this and contributions of people all across the region is part of the spirit of remembering what 9/11 is all about– the country being unified and looking out for one another.”

In an e-mail Saturday, Obama urged supporters to honor the memory of those who died on 9/11, and U.S. troops fighting on the front lines. “But,” he added, “I also hope you’ll remember how the worst terrorist attack in American history brought out the best in the American people. ”

“From giving blood, volunteering time, and donating clothing, food and money, in the weeks and months after the attacks, we were united as a nation, everyone doing their part to lend a hand and help the country move forward together,” Obama said.