Firefighters across Wales are holding a day of remembrance for their American colleagues who were killed in the 11 September US terrorist attacks.

Officers will hold a minute's silence to remember the hundreds of New York firefighters who perished attempting to save workers at the World Trade Center.

Devastation: A firefighter comes to terms with events

The memorial to the victims at 1530BST is the first in a series of events taking place in Wales this week.

Other Welsh representatives, including police and politicians, flew out on Sunday to New York and Washington to take part in special ceremonies.

Arwel Fowler, chairman of the fire service benevolent fund in Wales and Assistant Chief Fire Officer in Mid and West Wales, said it was important to show solidarity with the families and colleagues of the deceased.

"It is a poignant time for all of us. Our US colleagues had to deal with many tragedies on 11 September," said Mr Fowler.

"In our prayers and memories today we will be focusing on those that lost their lives, through a moment's silence.

Many people lost loved ones

"I am thinking in terms of the trauma for their families and colleagues and, every time they hear the wail of a siren, they will think about what happened.

"As firefighters, we will endeavour to the best of our ability to render humanitarian aid and save lives, going in to bring people out."

Meanwhile, three special constables from Pontypridd and Caernarfon MP Hywel Williams flew out to the US to take part in separate commemorative events later this week.

City getting on

BBC Wales reporter Adrian Masters in New York said the city was getting on with life, but the signs were evident everywhere that 11 September was close to people's minds.

A new department of homeland security has taken over control of the city's airports and harbour patrols to guard against further attacks on the anniversary on Wednesday.

Among the many events taking place, a squadron of US aircraft will be flying over the city and a mile-long silent march of people through the streets is planned.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg has put out an advert thanking people of New York for their efforts to get the city back on its feet.