Simon & Garfunkel legend Paul Simon played The Sound of Silence before mourners and dignitaries at the 2011 9/11 memorial service held at Ground Zero.

Accompanied by his acoustic guitar and wearing a 9/11 memorial cap, Simon moved the crowed with his touching rendition.

Cellist Yo-Yo Ma and singer James Taylor also performed at the service.

Simon, born in New Jersey and raised in New York, was originally set to play Bridge Over Troubled Water, which he sang for the America: A Tribute to Heroes telethon just 10 days after the 9/11 attacks in 2001.

The Sound of Silence, which Simon played instead, was one of the Simon & Garfunkel duo's most popular songs. It was penned in the aftermath of another American tragedy: the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963.

Below are comments on Twitter regarding Simon's The Sound of Silence performance on 9/11 memorial service of 2011.

- I was sitting at home crying my eyes out and Paul Simon looked like wanted to! So moving..& perfect choice IMO

- Sounded as if this song had been written for this day

- If this song didn't bring tears to your eyes before, it sure will now

- Paul Simon singing The Sound of Silence to the families of 911 yesterday was the most beautiful and touching way to commemorate their losses