Victims' families and others were poised to gather and grieve Tuesday at ground zero, the Pentagon and near Shanksville, Pa., for the first time after the emotional turning point of last year's 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
There's a sense that it's a season of change for the ground zero ceremony.
Tuesday's commemoration follows a breakthrough Monday on a financial impasse that had halted progress on the Sept. 11 museum. And the ceremony itself will too be different: For the first time, elected officials won't speak.
They're still welcome to attend. Political leaders also are expected at the other commemorations.
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama plan to attend the Pentagon ceremony. Vice President Joe Biden is expected to speak in Shanksville.
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