Obama holds moment of silence at White House to mark 9/11 anniversary

President Obama, the first lady and others at the White House observe a moment of silence and listened to the playing of taps. (Video: WhiteHouse.gov)

The American flag flew at half-staff over the White House on Friday, as President Obama and the first lady held a moment of silence on the South Lawn to mark the 14th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

The president, wearing a dark suit and a flag lapel, bowed his head alongside Michelle Obama as a bell tolled three times at 8:46 a.m., the time the first hijacked plane struck the World Trade Center complex in New York City. More than 200 guests were assembled on the lawn, including Chief of Staff Denis McDonough and National Security Adviser Susan Rice.

Obama put his hand over his heart as a lone trumpet sounded out the notes for "Taps." A military color guard stood at attention as the Obamas walked back inside the White House.

They did not make any public statements. But Obama will hold a town hall with service members at Fort Meade in Maryland in the afternoon. Vice President Biden will deliver remarks at the 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride Kickoff event at Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum in New York.