Members of the House and Senate held a moment of silence on the Capitol steps Tuesday to mark the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
The lawmakers also prayed and sang the National Anthem and "God Bless America" to honor those killed in the attacks.
House Speaker John Boenher (R-Ohio) was the last of the four congressional leaders to speak, and noted the story of a doctor who was treating those injured from the attacks, but who also knew that one of his family members was in one of the World Trade Center towers. When asked if he needed a break from his work, the doctor replied,
"I'm a doctor, and this is my place."
Boehner said many other Americans acted similarly that day.
"Everyone kept their place," he said. "The professionals who did their duty, who ran in so that others could run out. The patriots who banded together in the sky over Shanksville to save this Capitol and these steps. The volunteers who raised their hands and said, 'I'll go,' and they'll fight overseas in perilous conditions."
For more on Congress' 9/11 tribute, click here.
