Washington, Shawwal 14, 1432, Sep 12, 2011, SPA - U.S. President Barack Obama attended a ceremony held at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts here last night marking the 10th anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001. President Obama delivered a speech in which he said "We received a painful blow, but we look forward to the future with hearts full of hope." On the changes that have occurred after the events of 11th September, he pointed out that what has not been changed is the character of the American people and their self-confidence, noting that the last ten years showed the determination of U.S.A. to protect its citizens, and not to succumb to fear. President Obama commended the speech of former U.S. President George W. Bush during the events of September 11 when he said the United States of America is not in a war against Islam or any other religion. He praised the efforts that have been made to rebuild damaged facilities, and also commended the efforts of more than two million Americans who participated in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. The ceremony was attended by a number of U.S. senior officials, Saudi Ambassador to the United States of America Adel Ahmed Al-Jubeir, a number of guests, and the families of victims of the events of September 11. --SPA 13:41 LOCAL TIME 10:41 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/924221