8:30 p.m. ... 9/11/2001 ... President Bush addresses the Nation

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/UaJ8SJze9Vc" width="420"></iframe><br /></div><br /><br />President George W. Bush addressed the Nation from the Oval Office. Excerpts of his remarks from the video:<br /><br /><i>Today our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes or in their offices: secretaries, business men and women, military and Federal workers, moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror.</i><br /><br /><i><span class="displaytext">These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our Nation into chaos and retreat, but they have failed. Our country is strong.</span></i><br /><br /><i><span class="displaytext"><span class="displaytext">Today our Nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature. And we responded with the best of America, with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span class="displaytext"><span class="displaytext"></span></span><span class="displaytext"><span class="displaytext"><span class="displaytext">Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured and to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks.</span> </span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span class="displaytext"><span class="displaytext"></span></span><span class="displaytext"><span class="displaytext"><span class="displaytext">The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts. I've directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.</span></span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span class="displaytext"><span class="displaytext"><span class="displaytext"><span class="displaytext"></span></span></span></span></i><br /><i>I appreciate so very much the Members of Congress who have joined me in strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American people, I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences and assistance. </i><br /><br /><i>America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world, and we stand together to win the war against terrorism. </i><br /><br /><br /><i><span class="displaytext">"</span><span class="displaytext"><span class="displaytext">A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining. "</span> </span></i> <br /><i><br /></i><i>Today our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes or in their offices: secretaries, business men and women, military and Federal workers, moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror. </i><br /><br />9/11 ... may we never forget.

9/11/2001 George W. Bush Terrorism White House 8:30 p.m. ... 9/11/2001 ... President Bush addresses the Nation

President George W. Bush addressed the Nation from the Oval Office. Excerpts of his remarks from the video:Today our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victi…

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Video: Humorous ABC News interview with George W. and Laura Bush

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BJbUXw87j0A" width="560"></iframe> </div><br />President George W. Bush is a gracious man with the wisdom of one who has observed, listened, and learned along his life's journey. This humorous, light-hearted <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJbUXw87j0A">ABC News interview</a> that was taped after the President and Mrs. Bush returned from their African trip shows the genuine, witty, caring personality of #43, something the other side of the political aisle overlooked in their continual bashing of him during his eight years in the White House.<br /><br />Because of GWB's gracious nature, and my observation of years of abuse from his political enemies, I have tempered my own public criticism of President Barack Obama, realizing the hurt it causes not only to the Obama family but to his supporters. Too bad the extremists on all sides of the aisle can't tone down the rhetoric and try to work together.<br /><br />Robin Beres's article in Sunday's Richmond Times-Dispatch, <a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/opinion/our-opinion/columnists-blogs/robin-beres/the-expanding-legacy-of-george-w-bush/article_b2875325-1bee-520c-879c-2fe7451d64a5.html">"The expanding legacy of George W. Bush,"</a> touched on Bush's just-completed humanitarian trip to Africa, his continued involvement with the Wounded Warrior Project, and his overall giving-back to America during his retirement years:<br /><blockquote>In an interview with CNN on July 1, Bush was questioned about the Obama administration and accusations about the White House’s invasions into Americans’ privacy. But, as ever, he refused to criticize Obama. “I don’t think it does any good,” he said. “It’s a hard job. He’s got plenty on his agenda. It’s difficult. A former president doesn’t need to make it any harder. Other presidents have taken different decisions; that’s mine.”<br /><br />The difference in the two men’s political views has always been apparent. Unfortunately, another difference that is obvious is the content of their characters. Despite attacks and accusations by the Obama administration, Bush has kept his silence.<br /><br />Even as he watched the successful surge in Iraq go for naught and the Middle East fall apart, he said nothing. Even as he stood and listened to Obama’s backhanded compliments at the George W. Bush Presidential Library dedication, he held his peace. He has been the picture of graciousness and tact. These are traits that the self-absorbed Obama should study – and perhaps try to emulate.</blockquote>GWB brought class to the office of President, something he learned from his parents and that is, sadly, lacking in others. His self-deprecating humor is legendary, and his modesty was ingrained by a strong mother, former First Lady Barbara Bush, who taught her children not be be "braggadociouses."<br /><br />George W. Bush ... boy, do I miss his leadership.

ABC News Africa CNN George W. Bush humanitarian mission Laura Bush Presidency Richmond Times-Dispatch Robin Beres White House Video: Humorous ABC News interview with George W. and Laura Bush

President George W. Bush is a gracious man with the wisdom of one who has observed, listened, and learned along his life's journey. This humorous, light-hearted ABC News interview that was taped after the President and Mrs. Bush returned from their …

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