Wreaths were laid and bells tolled Tuesday for the fallen in Manhattan, at the Pentagon and in a field in Pennsylvania. Officials spoke, as did Vice President Mike Pence, about “honor and remembrance.” But President Donald Trump started off the 9/11 anniversary by lashing out at his political opponents.

“For the families of the fallen and all those looking on, the cherished final moments with your loved ones … seem like yesterday. Just know that your nation understands,” Pence said at the Pentagon, striking the tone George W. Bush and Barack Obama administration officials did on Sept. 11 anniversaries past.

“While we all suffered loss that day, we know you bear a special burden,” Pence said. “We stand with you. And we always will.”

Trump marked America’s 17-year journey following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at a somber ceremony in the Pennsylvania field where one of the hijacked airliners crashed. But he opened the solemn anniversary by attacking his political opponents.

Trump and first lady Melania Trump flew to the Shanksville memorial at the site where United Airlines Flight 93 was downed during what investigators concluded was a struggle between al-Qaida operatives and rebelling passengers.