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Obama Lays Wreath at Ground Zero

He's makes first trip as president as 'closure' for New York City

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted May 5, 2011 11:36 AM CDT | Updated May 5, 2011 12:29 PM CDT

(Newser) – President Obama made his first visit to Ground Zero as president, a trip the White House views as "closure" for New York City in the wake of Osama bin Laden's killing, reports the Daily News. He first visited a firehouse that lost 15 firefighters on 9/11. "When we say we will never forget, we mean what we say," said Obama, who ate lunch with the squad. "You’re always going to have a president and an administration who’s got your back." The president then visited Ground Zero and laid a memorial wreath. He also met privately with family members of 9/11 victims.

President Obama meets with firefighters of Engine 54 firehouse in New York City.
President Obama meets with firefighters of Engine 54 firehouse in New York City.   (Getty Images)
President Obama visits members of the New York City Fire Department.
President Obama visits members of the New York City Fire Department.   (Getty Images)
Police and onlookers near Ground Zero await the arrival of President Obama.
Police and onlookers near Ground Zero await the arrival of President Obama.   (Getty Images)
President Obama speaks to firefighters in New York City.
President Obama speaks to firefighters in New York City.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Marine One lands with President Obama in New York.
Marine One lands with President Obama in New York.   (Getty Images)
President Obama meets with police officers and first responders at the First Precinct before visiting Ground Zero.
President Obama meets with police officers and first responders at the First Precinct before visiting Ground Zero.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President Obama views a memorial honoring deceased members of the New York City Fire Department at the Engine 54 firehouse.
President Obama views a memorial honoring deceased members of the New York City Fire Department at the Engine 54 firehouse.   (Getty Images)
President Obama lays a wreath at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City.
President Obama lays a wreath at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City.   (Getty Images)
President Obama views a memorial honoring deceased members of the New York City Fire Department at the Engine 54 firehouse on May 5, 2011.
President Obama views a memorial honoring deceased members of the New York City Fire Department at the Engine 54 firehouse on May 5, 2011.   (Getty Images)
President Obama prepares to lay a wreath at the National Sept. 11 Memorial at Ground Zero in New York, Thursday, May 5, 2011.
President Obama prepares to lay a wreath at the National Sept. 11 Memorial at Ground Zero in New York, Thursday, May 5, 2011.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President Obama bows his head after laying a wreath at the 9/11 Memorial.
President Obama bows his head after laying a wreath at the 9/11 Memorial.   (Getty Images)
President Obama speaks with New York City Police Sgt. Stephanie Moses.
President Obama speaks with New York City Police Sgt. Stephanie Moses.   (Getty Images)
President Obama hugs a family member of a victim of the 9/11 attacks.
President Obama hugs a family member of a victim of the 9/11 attacks.   (Getty Images)
President Obama talks with Victoria Giordano at the World Trade Center site in New York Thursday. Her firefighter father died on 9/11.
President Obama talks with Victoria Giordano at the World Trade Center site in New York Thursday. Her firefighter father died on 9/11.   (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
President Obama, accompanied by a New York City firefighter, observes a moment of silence after placing a wreath at the World Trade Center site.
President Obama, accompanied by a New York City firefighter, observes a moment of silence after placing a wreath at the World Trade Center site.   (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
President Obama's limousine is parked outside a New York City firehouse as he meets with firefighters inside.
President Obama's limousine is parked outside a New York City firehouse as he meets with firefighters inside.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President Obama meets with firefighters and first responders at Engine 54, Ladder 4, Battalion 9.
President Obama meets with firefighters and first responders at Engine 54, Ladder 4, Battalion 9.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 29 comments
greenlantern1
May 5, 2011 1:36 PM CDT
Fittingly, in front of Honolulu Hale, there is an eternal flame. Built in sad memory of this tragedy, it has been quietly burning for almost a decade! That should be far more newsworthy than any Pastor Terry Jones' bonfire! Clifford Spencer
Duxburian
May 5, 2011 12:48 PM CDT
"Obama told them. "You’re always going to have a president and an administration who’s got your back." The president then visited Ground Zero and laid a memorial wreath. " Because the last administration didn't. And that goes for the Republicans as well.
stevsie
May 5, 2011 12:25 PM CDT
911 was done by the bush administration.
US

 
New York City • Ground Zero • firefighters • President Obama

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