I haven't heard any comments about a minute's silence in the UK to commemorate that awful moment 2 years ago but I've missed out on a lot of news so it may well have been announced. In fact, I asked my MSP this morning, but then thought that actually, Parliament begins for the afternoon at 2 pm so they'll just miss it as from memory it was 10 to 2. However, they begin with 'Time for Reflection' - prayers from all walks of life, I think it's a Jesuit priest tomorrow, so hopefully s/he will reflect on 9/11 2 years on.
Like many, I don't think we should ever forget, but we should also move on with our lives and learn from experiences. It is sad to hear the accusations that so much could have been avoided if the information had been used (or not ignored) - who knows why people make such decisions. The recent chemical attack exercise in London was announced as being necessary to test new equipment - fair enough - but also that such a threat was being seen as a real one.
We are at Black Special alert in the parliament (and all government buildings) and have been for ages, which means there is a heightened alertness. Our mail is already scanned and when we finally get into the Edinburgh disgrace that is our new parliament building, we will be blastproof inside the building It is a sad comment in today's society that we have to have such protection when there are so many good and wonderful things that could be done, I'm sure, with all the technology and resources available, instead of using them for evil purposes.
Jackie
www.secretarialsummit.com
Peer Moderator 
