We pray for the victims of 9-11, and for an end to all terror around the world

God, grant us peace.

President Trump and First Lady, Melania Trump led a moment of silence from the White House steps in memorial for the 9/11 attacks.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) -- President Trump led the nation in a moment of silence from the White House this morning, stepping onto the lawn with First Lady Melania Trump. Flanked by staff and reporters and a military color guard, the moment of silence was followed with the ceremonial playing of taps. No speeches were given.

He later delivered a speech at a memorial ceremony at the Pentagon.

The memorials marked the sixteenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks which resulted in 2,977 people killed, plus the nineteen hijackers.

The attacks shocked the world, and jolted the nation from peace and prosperity into a state of perpetual war, which continues today. Within a month, the United States had invaded Afghanistan, and in 2003, Iraq. Dubbed the War on Terror, the conflict continues today, despite efforts to end it. Most recently, the United States has been involved in the destruction of the Islamic State, a terrorist state that was formed as a round-about consequence of the War on Terror. While the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq has been largely destroyed, enclaves of the organization have developed in other countries, such as Libya. The organization also has cells of terrorists and sympathizers around the world.

The attacks also led to the deaths of many people who responded in the immediate aftermath. Dozens of firefighters and other first responders were exposed to carcinogens during the rescue, recovery and cleanup efforts.

The World Trade Center has since been rebuilt, and the children of those who died have either grown up or are close to becoming adults. Despite the time, the attacks have become a painful memory for all who lived through them, even people who were nowhere near the events of 9/11. The entire nation was traumatized.

Most airlines now have strict security measures in place, which includes passenger searches, luggage searches, and procedures while in the air. Cabin doors have been reinforced against forced entry and pilots are not permitted to open them under any circumstances. Since 9/11, no American airliners have been hijacked.

All people around the world are asked to pray for those who died, and those who were affected by the 9/11 attacks. We are asked to pray for an end to terrorism, war, and a new era of peace in which the innocent have no fear.