The events of September 11th last have "touched us all", the Taoiseach Mr Ahern told a commemoration ceremony at the US Embassy in Dublin today.
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"We remember today over three thousand people who lost their live, the many who were injured, and their families and friends.
"And among them we remember too, in a special way, the Irish and those of Irish descent who lost their lives on that terrible day.
"What happened on September 11 touched us all. It was deeply traumatising for the people of the United States and its repercussions have been felt throughout the entire international community.
Mr Ahern continued: "It is vital that we remain relentless in the pursuit of peace and security wherever it is absent or under threat."
At the ceremony in the grounds of the US Embassy in Ballsbridge members of the Dublin Fire brigade laid a wreath.
A message on the US embassy website thanks the Irish people for their support over the last year.
"The American people are deeply grateful for the support of the people of Ireland as, together, we mourn the thousands of lives lost on that terrible day," it says.
"We remember those Irish citizens who were innocent victims of the attacks, and we extend our appreciation to the Government of Ireland for its continued strong support in the global campaign against terrorism."
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About one-third of the victims of September 11th had Irish connections, ranging from undocumented workers of Irish nationality to second-generation Wall Street stockbrokers.
A statement form President McAleese said the passage of time had not lessened the "enduring, shocking, images of the cruel atrocities" which were visited on the United States.
Mrs McAleese is in Co Fermanagh where she observed a minute's silence at the Enniskillen Rotary Club at 1.46 p.m.
"Our American friends, among them so many members of our Irish family, were sorely tested that day," her statement said.
"Today we reflect with admiration and respect on the courage, selflessness, resilience and fortitude with which they responded to that tidal wave of agony, which broke over them but did not break them.
"At the root of those dreadful events in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania was mankind's most potent weapon, hatred.
"Its causes are complex, its effects catastrophic, as we in Ireland know only too well," she added.
The September 11th attacks on the US were remembered across Ireland today, with a minute's silence observed at 1.46 p.m. in many public places.
Earlier Mr Ahern, and members of the Government and Opposition, attended a service at the Catholic Pro-Cathedral in Dublin which began at 11 a.m.
Mass was said by the Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin, Bishop Raymond Field. The Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto, the American Charge d'Affaires, Ms Jean Benton Fort, members of the diplomatic corps and members of the Dublin Fire Brigade will attend.
In the North, First Minister Mr David Trimble and Deputy First Minister Mr Mark Durkan were to attend memorial services.
In a joint statement Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan said: "We, in Northern Ireland, have been grateful for the solidarity and support offered to us by America in recent years. At this difficult time of remembrance, we wish to extend our solidarity and support to all those who lost their loved ones on this day last year."
Mr Trimble will attending a memorial service in St Paul's Cathedral in London, while Mr Durkan will attending a service in Clonard Monastery in Belfast.
Later, services will take place in Christchurch Cathedral, St Bartholomew's Church, Ballsbridge, the Unitarian Church, St Stephen's Green as well as in the Augustinian Church in Limerick city and in the national Synagogue in Terenure, Dublin.