To mark the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the New York officials are asking victims' spouses and partners to read the names of their loved ones at this year's ceremony from the World Trade Center site. The somber reading of victims' names has been the centerpiece of the annual commemoration at the WTC site. The first year, the list was read aloud by politicians, dignitaries and some relatives, followed by children in 2003, then parents and grandparents. Last year, brothers and sisters called out the 2,749 names.

This year's ceremony will again be marked with four moments of silence, two for when each plane hit the north and south tower, and two more to mark the times each tower collapsed.

According to organizers, the city had recently sent letters to victims' loved ones, seeking readers for the event at Ground Zero on Sept. 11.

"As the fifth anniversary approaches, we offer our prayers and sympathies to you and your loved ones," begins the letter, signed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Governor George Pataki.

The day of remembrance will end with the Tribute in Light, which will once again illuminate the sky in Lower Manhattan beginning at sundown.

Source: Xinhua