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Politicians banned from speaking at 9/11 anniversary ceremony
Photo credit: Politicians can attend future 9/11 memorial services, but they can't speak at them. (Getty)
Officials at the Sept. 11 memorial announced Wednesday that politicians won't be allowed to make speeches at this year's anniversary ceremony at Ground Zero, but the reciting of the names of victims will go on.
Joe Daniels, the president of the memorial, sent a letter to victims' family members that informed them the name reading would be "the exclusive focus of the program."
"The National September 11 Memorial is focused on honoring the victims and their families in a way free of politics, and this ensures that continues," Daniels said in a statement.
A spokeswoman for Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who is chairman of the memorial, declined to comment.
Last year, Bloomberg said he wanted feedback from the families about continuing the reciting of the names.
In previous years he and other elected officials read some of the names and gave introductory statements.
It was not clear whether any politicians would receive invitations to attend the ceremony.
A lottery system will select which family members will read the names.
Those relatives interested in participating in this year's ceremony can call 212-442-8953.
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