MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

UK police mark 9/11 anniversary

British police officers are to join millions of Americans to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

They will form an honour guard for victims' families at a service near New York's World Trade Centre site to remember the 67 Britons who perished.

US president George Bush drew parallels between the suicide hijackings and the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, praising the resolve of the American people.

He said that once again, four years later, the US was confronting another disaster but that once again, it would recover and rebuild.

"The despair and tragedy of (September 11, 2001) were overcome by displays of selflessness, courage and compassion," he said in a radio address to the nation. "And in the days and weeks that followed, America answered history's call to bring justice to our enemies and to ensure the survival and success of liberty. And that mission continues today."

The British victims will be represented by 67 British officers at Old Slip Park in downtown Manhattan. The a cappella choir Oxford Alternatives will play a musical tribute. Also performing at the concert will be Welsh soprano Rachel Schutz.

Bells will toll during the main ceremony at Ground Zero, which begins just before 1.46pm UK time - when the first tower was hit.

During the day the siblings of those killed will read through victims' names. While the names are read, family members will be able to descend the ramp to the lowest level of the site where they will lay flowers.

The sombre ceremony will pause four times - marking when each plane hit the towers and when each tower fell. At sunset, the Tribute in Light - twin skyward aimed spotlights - will return for one night, rising from ground zero into the night in memory of those lost.

A small church that became the focus of support for rescue workers will be inaugurated into the Coventry Community of the Cross of Nails. St Paul's Chapel, which is opposite Ground Zero, will become the latest member of the world famous peace and reconciliation organisation, borne out of the devastating Luftwaffe bombings in November 1940.