[silent_jonny]

President George W. Bush kisses Arlene Howard on the forehead following his farewell address to the nation Thursday evening, Jan. 15, 2009 in the East Room of the White House. The President met Ms. Howard shortly after Sept. 11, 2001, where she gave him her son’s police badge after he perished in the terrorists attacks on the World Trade Center. President Bush still carries the badge with him today as a reminder of all that was lost. White House photo by Eric Draper

President George W. Bush holds the badge of a police officer killed in the September attacks. "And I will carry this," said President Bush during his address to Congress Sept. 20 [2001]. "It is the police shield of a man named George Howard, who died at the World Trade Center trying to save others. It was given to me by his mom, Arlene, as a proud memorial to her son. This is my reminder of lives that ended, and a task that does not end."

[snugs]

Great photos Jonny

[Miss Marple]

Thanks, jonny! I so appreciate the photos of the President after the network cameras were off. I was especially touched by Arlene Howard being there, and his carrying that badge all these years.

What a good and gracious man we have been privileged to have lead us for the last 8 years. May God bless him and give him a joyful life in Texas!

I am on a church retreat this weekend, but I will check whatever shows up on The Dose when I get back Sunday evening.

Thanks to all of you who have contributed to this thread over the years. It's been a privilege to know all who posted here (with the exception of a few trolls early on...ha!).