George W. Bush and Condoleezza Rice will reflect on the legacy of 9/11 at a Dallas event commemorating the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
DALLAS — George W. Bush, who served as president during the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, is honoring the 25th anniversary of that fateful day with a remembrance event in his home state of Texas. The event, titled “A Legacy of Service: America at the 25th Anniversary of 9/11,” is scheduled to take place at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas, starting at 6:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday evening.
During the event, former President Bush will engage in a conversation with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. They will share their reflections on the legacy and meaning of 9/11, discussing how the day transformed the nation and continues to influence American life. The dialogue will also emphasize the ongoing call to serve, which remains as urgent as ever.
In addition to Bush and Rice, the program will feature a moderated discussion between General Dan Caine, the current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and J.D. Crouch, who served as Deputy National Security Advisor under Bush from 2005 to 2007. The event will also highlight the contributions of Melissa Stockwell, a two-time Paralympic triathlete and Army veteran who received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star after losing her leg in Iraq. Jared Lyons, a Navy veteran and CEO of Student Veterans of America, will also be a featured guest.
The event’s webpage notes that these conversations aim to provide a thoughtful and elevated reflection on a defining moment in American history, as well as the enduring commitment to service that continues to strengthen the nation.
As part of the 25th anniversary commemoration, Bush has created 16 works of art that reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and resilience that emerged from one of the most pivotal moments in American history. These artworks will be displayed at Freedom Hall at the Bush Museum through September.
Bush, known for his painting hobby during and after his presidency, has invited the public to join in a moment of remembrance on Friday morning alongside local first responders.
On September 11, 2001, Bush was visiting an elementary school for an education event when he was informed that America was under attack. He famously used the phrase “war on terrorism” for the first time on September 16, 2001, and officially declared a campaign during a joint address to Congress on September 20, 2001, marking the beginning of the 20-year war on terror.
After being re-elected in 2004, Bush retired to Texas with his wife, Laura, where they have maintained a relatively low profile.
According to Fox News, the remembrance event promises to be a poignant reflection on the lasting impact of 9/11.