Obama's day: Memories of 9/11

A day after announcing an expansion of plans to battle Islamic State jihadists, President Obama pauses Thursday to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

In the morning, the president, first lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Biden, and members of the White House staff gather on the South Lawn at the White House for a moment of silence to mark the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Obama and the first lady then travel to the Pentagon for the annual September 11th Observance Ceremony.

In remarks at the Pentagon, Obama is expected to discuss his strategy against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. In a prime time address Wednesday, Obama said the U.S. will expand air strikes in Iraq, and is prepared to begin them against Islamic State bases in Syria.

Obama also said his revamped counter-terrorism plan emphasizes assistance to the Iraq military and to rebel forces in Syria, so that they can carry the bulk of the fighting against Islamic State militants.

In the late afternoon, the president and first lady will participate in a volunteer project to commemorate the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance.