Obama visits Fort Meade to commemorate 14th anniversary of 9/11 terror attacks

U.S. President Barack Obama has visited the Fort Meade in Maryland to mark the 14 th anniversary of the Sept.11, 2001 terror attacks, praising the military troops and government workers, who he said have inspired him in times of crisis.

About 11,000 military personnel and more than 20,000 civilian employees work in Fort George G. Meade, which is a United States Army installation and the headquarters of United States Cyber Command, the National Security Agency, the Defense Courier Service, and Defense Information Systems Agency headquarters.

He maintained a moment of silence at the White House Lawn before starting his journey to Fort Meade. On reaching Fort Meade, he thanked military members and their families for their service they have rendered and sacrifices they have made to protect Americans.

"On 9/11, I thought it was particularly appropriate for me to be able to address you directly and to say thank you on behalf of the American people. I don't have a greater honour than serving as your commander in chief," Obama said during the "World Wide Troop Talk."

According to NBC New York, Mr Obama took questions from the service members present at the event and online via Facebook, Twitter and Skype and satellite. He told all military members present that the U.S. would work hard and provide all the necessary resources to them needed to succeed in their endeavour.

He spoke on the potential threats that the country faces from across different terrorist groups, including the Islamic State forces. He also had a warning for Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is set to visit the White House later this month. China is alleged to be responsible for the cyber-attacks on the U.S. He said both the countries have to work together to prevent such attacks in future or risk a cyber-war, which he believes the U.S will win.

Although Mr Obama was happy that Russia also holds ISIS as a great threat which needs to be defeated, their difference in opinions over Assad’s position in Syria prevents them fighting together.

He recalled the horrors of Sept. 11, 2011 terror attacks when he was still a state senator in Illinois . He also praised former President George W. Bush for his role during the time of the attack and how Americans had united for the country, irrespective of their affiliations.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below.