The first ceremony at the World Trade Center site was held six months after the twin towers fell.

It was organized by then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his aides. Bloomberg took office just three months after the attacks. He acted as the master of ceremonies for the next decade.

Other elected officials tried to gain a larger role at the solemn event. In 2012, all politicians — including Bloomberg — were prohibited from speaking at it.

That remains the case.

This year’s ceremony was organized by the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center Foundation.

Bloomberg is the foundation’s chairman.

(AP)