David Hookstead
Videos by OutKick
It’s the 22-year anniversary of 9/11, and it’s the perfect time to watch former President George W. Bush’s bullhorn speech.
On this day 22 years ago, America was attacked in horrific fashion and nearly 3,000 people were killed. It was a tragic and unbelievably sad day as people watched the Twin Towers come down, the Pentagon on fire and soon learned about Flight 93 going down because the passengers overtook the terrorists.
Americans were enraged and ready to start killing the al-Qaeda terrorists responsible for the attacks and those harboring them. People wanted revenge, and during a visit to Ground Zero three days later, Bush made what might be the most powerful comments of his entire presidency.
“I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you. And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon,” Bush emphatically told the first responders and firefighters working to clear the site.
An incredible “USA! USA! USA!” chant broke out, and it was a sign the USA was going to rise from the rubble stronger than ever.
George W. Bush let the world know America would respond after 9/11.
It’s impossible to watch this speech and not get hit with chills. It’s one of the best presidential moments of the past 25 years.
The country was hurting, people were scared, thousands of our fellow citizens were dead, families had been torn apart, lives had been destroyed and the world was forever going to be different.
Bush went to Ground Zero and made it crystal clear that the monsters responsible for all the pain and suffering would be held accountable.
I’ll admit that it damn near makes me cry watching this speech from George W. Bush. It’s so unbelievably inspiring in the face of so much carnage and chaos.
Furthermore, if you don’t remember or weren’t alive on 9/11, I highly-suggest watching Bush’s address to the nation.
Bush telling the world “Freedom was attacked this morning by a faceless coward and freedom will be defended” had patriots across the country ready to stand up, dust ourselves off and run through a wall.
On this day, remember all those who we lost and remember that this country is one worth defending and fighting for. I’m proud to be an American, those of you reading this almost certainly feel the same way and we shouldn’t ever apologize for it.
Unfortunately it was followed by a 20 year war in Afghanistan only to eventually turn the country back over to the people accused of helping to facilitate 9/11. A war in Iraq based on lies of Iraqi involvement in 9/11 and weapons of mass destruction where more than 4,000 American soldiers (more Americans than on 9/11) died, 30,000 wounded and more than 200,000 Iraqis killed while covering up Saudi Arabia’s involvement. Used the people’s fear of another attack to implement the spying apparatus that plagues the world today.
I was 32 when 9/11 happened. I participated as an engaged adult like most others. It was a nice speech and at the time I celebrated. In hindsight, I would have gladly traded a few moments of comfort for the world to not have to suffer the consequences of that man’s manipulation of American’s pride and fear to satisfy his warmongering vision of what America should be. He had a chance to rise to the challenge. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, in the wake of 9/11 he covered up inconvenient information, seized the opportunity to strip Americas of their rights in a moment of fear and panic, and started baseless wars that ruined the lives of hundreds of thousands. Having watched the speech live I understand its significance. Having lived through everything afterward I can hardly stand to watch it.
Agree.
I used to wrap myself up in the flag and eat apple pie like I was taught to in order to show that I love my country. I do in fact love this country and and the principes it was founded upon and still believe we are the greatest nation that has ever existed. But 9/11 and the aftermath as I look back just proves that Ike was right when he warned us about the MIC. Don’t get me started on the what was covered up about 9/11. I will pray for the families ofnall that have been affected from that day and will also pray that we see a day where being a politician is a duty and honor and not a lucrative career made of the backs of the ones you claim to represent.