Obama, McCain declare truce for 9/11

As the nation marks the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, John McCain and Barack Obama are declaring a 1-day truce and making two joint appearances.

After several weeks of bitter partisan debate, Obama and McCain will make a joint visit at ground zero in New York today for a wreath-laying ceremony to remember those who died in the Setpember 11 attacks.

Ground zero marks the site where two passenger jets slammed into the World Trade Center on the morning of the 9/11 attacks. A third jet hit the Pentagon outside of Washington, and a fourth jet crashed into the ground in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Following the ground zero event, the candidates will appear together again at a Columbia University forum tonight on public service, although they will speak at separate times. The two joint appearances are designed to communicate America's united resolve as the nation mourns the los of those who perised on 9/11.

Sen. Obama issued a statement today to "honor the memory of the lives that were lost" on September 11. "We will never forget those who died. We will always remember the extraordinary efforts of our firefighters, police and emergency responders, and those who sacrificed their own lives on Flight 93 to protect their fellow Americans. And we give thanks for the Americans defending us every day in our communities at home, and in our military abroad," said Obama.

Obama also noted that "the terrorists responsible for 9/11 are still at large, and must be brought to justice."

Meanwhile, John McCain delivered his own statement at a memorial ceremony in Shanksville. "No American living then should ever forget the heroism that occurred in the skies above this field on Sept. 11, 2001," he said. "It is believed that the terrorists on United Flight 93 may have intended to crash the airplane into the United States Capitol. Hundreds if not thousands of people would have been at work in that building when that fateful moment occurred, and been destroyed along with a beautiful symbol of our freedom. They and, very possibly I, owe our lives to the passengers who summoned the courage and love necessary to deny our depraved and hateful enemies their terrible triumph."

Meanwhile, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is back in her home state today, where she will speak at a ceremony marking the departure of her son, who is headed to Iraq. CNN commentator David Gergen noted the timing of the departure date may have been intentional, but the TV news media have reported the story throughout the day.

So today, for a moment, the campaign pauses and the gloves are off. Tomorrow the battle continues.