George Bush welcomes top officials to his home state for 9/11 remembrance on 25th anniversary of attacks
DALLAS — George W. Bush was president during the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, and he is marking the 25th anniversary of the day that changed America forever by hosting a solemn remembrance event in his home state.
The event, called "A Legacy of Service: America at the 25th Anniversary of 9/11," will take place at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas, and kicks off at 6:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday evening.
It will feature a conversation between former President Bush and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who "will share their reflections on the legacy and meaning of 9/11—how the day changed the country, how it continues to shape American life, and how the call to serve remains as urgent as ever," according to the webpage for the event.
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A moderated discussion between General Dan Caine, the current chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and former Deputy National Security Advisor J.D. Crouch, who served in that role under Bush from 2005 to 2007, is also part of the program.
Melissa Stockwell, a two-time Paralympic triathlete and Army veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star after losing her leg in Iraq, is a featured guest. So is Jared Lyons, a Navy veteran and CEO of Student Veterans of America.
"Together, these conversations will offer a thoughtful, elevated reflection on a defining moment in American history and on the enduring commitment to service that continues to strengthen the nation," the webpage for the event says.
As part of the 25th anniversary commemoration, Bush painted 16 works of art that "reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and resilience that emerged from one of the most defining moments in American history," that will be displayed at Freedom Hall at the Bush Museum through September.
Bush was known for his painting hobby when he occupied the White House and in the years after he left office.
The Bush Presidential Center has also invited the public to join in a moment of remembrance on Friday morning, alongside local first responders.
Bush was president on Sept. 11, 2001, and was visiting an elementary school for an education event when he was informed that America was under attack. He first used the phrase "war on terrorism" on Sept. 16, 2001, and officially declared a campaign during a Sept. 20, 2001 joint address to Congress, which kicked off the 20-year war on terror.
He was elected for a second term in 2004 and retired to Texas with his wife Laura, and the two have maintained a relatively low profile.