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To: DrDeb; ohioWfan; onyx; pattyvita; STARWISE; Kaslin; All
Here's the transcript of Laura Bush's speech yesterday in PA:

Thank you, Governor Rendell and Secretary Salazar for your good words. Thank you, Gordy, for helping the families that I am looking at before me.

When I was first here on September 17th, 2001, this quiet field was scarred by a smoldering crater. Our grief was raw and our heartache was heavy. We were just learning the names of those aboard flight 93 and the story of their sacrifice.

This peaceful place was not chosen by the terrorists. They had other targets for their violence and hate. This spot was chosen by the passengers of flight 93, who spared our country from even greater horrors.

As we gather to remember those who were lost and honor their courage, we are deeply grateful. The events of September 11th grow distant in time, but they remain vivid in the memory of our nation and in the hearts of those who suffered such a great loss.

Over the years, we've learned the stories of those last minutes aboard flight 93. Passengers placed calls to authorities to warn them of the hijacking. We know they called family members to assure them of their love and to tell them of their plans. One passenger called his wife and said, "I know we're all going to die. There is three of us, going to do something about it. I love you, honey."

And we know that in the midst of their fear, they were calmed by their faith. A crew member called her husband and told him that they were going to rush the hijackers. Over the phone line, he heard other passengers whispering the 23rd psalm, "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, for thou art with me."

Nine years ago, in the skies above this field and in Washington and in New York City, we saw the worst of our enemy and the best of our nation. And we were suddenly reminded of many half forgotten lessons. We saw that there is evil in the world, but also good at the heart of our country.

America was attacked, but the deepest belief of our democracy was vindicated, that our greatness and strength is found in the character of our citizens.

Americans responded with heroism and selflessness, with compassion and courage, and with prayer and hope. In our grief we learned that our faith is an active faith, that we are called to serve and care for one another and to bring hope and comfort where there is despair and sorrow.

We remember 9/11 not only as a day of great loss but also a day of recommitment to certain enduring values. When the innocent are attacked, Americans defend them. When the innocent suffer, Americans rally to their aid. In the face of terror, Americans chose to overcome evil with good.

It was following the tragic events of that September morning that we saw the goodness of the lord in the land of the living. We saw it here as Shanksville's first responders rushed to this field and in the endurance of all of those that worked passed exhaustion to rescue people trapped in the towers and the Pentagon.

And again, as millions of Americans participated in blood drives, candlelight vigils, and memorial services, saying prayers in English, Hebrew, and Arabic, and we found unity in the shared grief. When this field was marked by smoldering ashes, now there is green grass. But the passage of time cannot erase the images etched in our minds from that calm September morning. We remember the moment the news came where we were and what we were doing. George and I grieved with the families whose loved ones perished on that bright blue morning. We thought about your loss every day that we lived in the White House and your stories remain close to our hearts. George sends his love.

And today we join with all Americans as we pause to remember those most affected by that day. We remember the families and friends of the lost and we still feel the wound of September 11th. We know the memories of your loved ones have not aged by time. You inspire us with your grace and strength.

We remember the law enforcement and intelligence personnel who stand watch on our behalf at every hour. And we remember the men and women of our military who oppose radicalism and terrorism at this very hour in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other places around the world.

On this day, Americans have no division. Together, we recall the events that changed each one of us and that united our nation. Together, we honor the lost in silence and we remember that our quiet and peace is always defended by the courage of the brave.

Thank you all. God bless you, and God bless America.

195 posted on 09/12/2010 7:25:25 PM PDT by florm15 (Thank you President Bush! You are missed!)
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To: florm15

THANK YOU for posting the transcript of Laura’s beautiful and touching speech!


198 posted on 09/12/2010 8:05:16 PM PDT by DrDeb
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To: florm15

Thanks for posting the transcript


200 posted on 09/12/2010 9:11:32 PM PDT by Kaslin (Acronym for OBAMA: One Big Ass Mistake America)
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