Watch the Speeches Bush, Clinton and Biden Gave at the Flight 93 Memorial in Pa.
- Posted on September 10, 2011 at 4:34pm by
Madeleine Morgenstern
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Vice President Joe Biden, Dr. Jill Biden, former presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, and former first lady Laura Bush attend the dedication of the United Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pa. (AP Photo)
SHANKSVILLE, Pa. (The Blaze/AP) — The 40 passengers and crew who fought back against their hijackers aboard Flight 93 on Sept. 11 performed one of the most courageous acts in U.S. history, former President George W. Bush said Saturday at a ceremony dedicating the first phase of a memorial at the nation’s newest national park.
The hijackers intended to crash the plane in Washington but “never made it because of the determination and valor of the passengers and crew of Flight 93, that plane crashed in this field, less than 20 minutes by air” from the target, said Jon Jarvis, director of the National Park Service.
Bill Clinton likened the actions of those aboard Flight 93 to the defenders of the Alamo in Texas or the Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae some 2,500 years ago, with a dramatic and telling difference: “They were soldiers. They knew what they had to do.”
The passengers and crew were not, but they gave “the entire country an incalculable gift: They saved the capital from attack,” an untold amount of lives and denied al-Qaida the symbolic victory of “smashing the center of American government.”
They were, he said, “ordinary people given no time at all to decide and they did the right thing. And 2,500 years from now, I hope and pray to God that people will still remember this.”
They were among several speakers at the dedication of the Flight 93 National Memorial who told of the sacrifice and honor of the passengers and crew. The ceremony drew more than 4,000 people, including hundreds of victims’ relatives, to the rural Pennsylvania field where the hijacked plane crashed nearly 10 years ago.
Those aboard knew that it was more than a hijacking, but an opening shot in a new war, said Vice President Joe Biden said. He said they acted as citizen patriots have done since Capt. John Parker said in April 1775 that if war is what they want, “then let it begin here.”
Bush also pointed to what he called a shining example of democracy in action, referring to the group’s decision to hold a vote to decide to try to overpower the hijackers.
“The moment America’s democracy was under attack our citizens defied their captors by holding a vote,” he said. “The choice they made would cost them their lives.”
The storming of the cockpit “ranks among the most courageous acts in American history,” Bush said.
The Rev. Daniel Coughlin, who was the U.S. House Chaplain at the time of the attacks, called the sacrifices made by the passengers and crew “willing seed for freedom’s harvest.”
“They refused to be paralyzed. … They break the silence and decidedly act together. They do only what is possible in an impossible situation,” he said in the invocation. “Because they are your children, they find within themselves, true freedoms.”
Coughlin’s invocation was followed by a long moment of silence as the U.S. flag was brought in, then a singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The names of the victims were also read as bells tolled, and Grammy Award-winning musician Sarah McLachlan performed.
Poet Robert Pinsky took to the lectern and read a pair of poems, one about “needing to remember, even if you don’t want to,” and a second about heroism. The poems came from Brazilian Carlos Drummond de Andrade and Poland’s Czeslaw Milosz.
Also during the ceremony, Clinton announced that he and U.S. House Speaker John Boehner will mount a bipartisan effort to raise the remaining $10 million needed to completely fund the memorial.
Ahead of the dedication, crowds getting there were slowed by weather-related traffic jams, muddy conditions and security rules but remained undeterred.
Among them was Butch Stevens, 69, of Carlyle, Ill., who stopped on his way back from a visit to Washington, D.C.
Stevens said he had no connection to anyone aboard the flight, except, as he said, as an American.
“This kind of makes you realize where you live,” Stevens said of the bravery of those who died aboard the plane.
The dedication was the day’s most prominent Sept. 11 observance among many throughout the country. In New York City, hundreds of families, friends and strangers ringing lower Manhattan clasped hands as a bell clanged at 8:46 a.m. to signify the time the first hijacked plane crashed into the World Trade Center’s North Tower. It was one of several public and private events scheduled around the city, including a free performance by the New York Philharmonic and a memorial by Fire Department of New York for its 343 members who died on 9/11 and those who have died from illness after working at ground zero.
In Pennsylvania on Friday, family members of those who died on Flight 93 visited the crash site, read the guestbook and viewed the many mementos left by people from all over the world who have come to pay their respects.
Relatives shed some tears, but they also celebrated the spirit of the guestbook – a rare feeling that people from vastly different walks of life had come together.
“I don’t focus on what happened. You can’t change that,” said Lorne Lyles, whose wife, CeeCee Ross Lyles, had been working as a United Airlines flight attendant for only nine months on that September morning in 2001.
“Coming here is more of a celebratory thing. She’s been memorialized,” Lyles said. “Just to see the outpouring from all over the world is touching. You really do have some caring people in the world.”
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Comments (91)
dinadp
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 6:30pmI miss President Bush. He had his faults but he respected the office, loved American & was proud to be the Commander-in-Chief.
…unlike the current occupant who only seems to care about the perks: the private jet, blow-out Hollywood parties at the White House & sending his wife on monthly vacations – all on the taxpayers’ dime.
Report Post »loriann12
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 6:50pmI think if I had michelle as a wife, I’d send her away on vacation, too. Bet she’s hard to be around
Report Post »LinkedIn G
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 7:17pmGod … I miss George W. Bush too.
Report Post »lillymckim
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 8:09pmIt was a lovely ceremony and the speeches by all were just as lovely ~ God Bless
Report Post »db321
Posted on September 11, 2011 at 4:06amHow is that Obama Change Working out for everyone.
Report Post »Bronco II
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 6:18pmThank you President Bush for those wonderful words and for remembering those who gave their lives to save many.My thoughts and prayers are with the families.GOD BLESS.
Report Post »Look4DBigPicture
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 6:02pmDo I miss Bush yet? You bet I do! He gave the most heartfelt speech by far.
Report Post »eat-more-bacon-USA
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:56pmCurrently, Biden and Clinton’s only function in this world is to wash and anoint the feet of their false messiah, Barry Hussein Obama, and assist him in his futile attempt at re-election, so why on Earth were they allowed to speak at this event? What does this event, honoring the true American heroes of Flight 93, have to do with gifting obama with a second disastrous term and continuing the “fundamental transformation” (destruction) of America?
Report Post »mrfunn
Posted on September 11, 2011 at 8:03amWas wondering why impeached President Clinton was on stage with Øbama. What was Clinton’s contribution? Oh yeah, impeached President Clinton had multiple opportunities to take bin Laden out and didn’t.
Report Post »mrfunn
Posted on September 11, 2011 at 8:10amOops:
Report Post »replace Øbama with Bush
ruffnex
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:54pmI thought Biden did pretty well…no big “GOOFS”… But the others could have stayed home EXCEPT for Pres. Bush and his lovely First LADY, Laura. Made me sad for days gone by….. We miss you, George and Laura . God Bless You. God Bless America.
Report Post »SlimnRanger
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 10:14pmI to adore Laura and in my opinion she hs been the finnest First Lady in my life time
Report Post »riseandshine
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:49pmI apologize for my above comments.
Report Post »datagoddess
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:49pmGeorge W Bush is a man of grace and class. I was so happy to see him there today. His speech brought me to quiet and reflective tears because I knew he was speaking from his heart and was feeling that day just as he did when it all happened. Coming to the White House after Bill Clinton who desecrated the Oval Office, and then followed by Obama who I believe dislikes this country very much, the comparison is startling. His Presidency is sandwiched between dishonor and arrogance. I miss him so much because there was never a question about how he loved this country. He is a man of honor. Not a perfect man, but no one is.
Report Post »Cruzan
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:29pmWhat I noticed most was the 2 minutes round of applause for Bush, the 5 seconds for Clinton and about 5 seconds for old Biden. Proves to me that this nation has had it’s fill of Obama and his anti-American stance ans his obvious protection for Muslims both here and around the world.
Report Post »db321
Posted on September 11, 2011 at 4:07amHELLO – you think?
Report Post »Iam4America
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:28pmBush got the longest applause and had the best speech.
Did anyone else notice as Clinton returned to his seat that he put a phone to his ear? How tacky!
Report Post »Conservative_Canuck
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:48pm@IAM4AMERICA I am by no means a fan of Bill Clinton, but in all fainess to him he wasn’t holding a phone to his ear; he was in fact taking his glasses off while holding his rolled up speech in his hand.
Report Post »YepImaConservative
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:51pmHe was taking a call sending him to his next gig… wherever Hillary isn’t. She can’t watch this POS 24/7 and I’m sure he likes it that way.
If Clinton and his administration had their eye on the ball instead of covering for his classless and adulterous arse while he diddled with chubby interns and such in the White House, we might not have all these memorials going on in the first place.
Clinton… a stain on a dress… a stain on America.
Report Post »psadie
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 6:24pmIt’s an utter disgrace that Bill Clinton was there to make a speech. When the towers were struck the first time in 1993 he did NOTHING. When bin Laden was being handed to him on a plate by Somalia twice, Clinton refused to get involved. He was not about to stick his neck out for his own country and show the world that we meant business. I truly feel that if he had taken the initiative there may not have been a 9/11. The world would have known not to antagonize the USA because if attacked then “By God, you’re gonna get it good.”
Report Post »lylejk
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 9:26pmOther then being a former potus, why was BC even there? Why didn’t BO go instead of Biden to make statements? Surely he can put down what he was doing to honor the fallen. Guess he couldn’t. He’s supposedly going to be in NY tomorrow so I guess why that is the reason Bloomy made sure no clergy, cops or firemen would be there since BO obviously despises the saints and heroes that are part of our nation and attracted by the roaches (i.e., Bloomberg). Sad. :)
Report Post »angelite49
Posted on September 11, 2011 at 2:48amDid anyone else see Clinton flirting with Sarah McLaughlin — BOTH times she came to the piano? The second time, I think he even blew her a kiss. What a transparent lecher he is.
Report Post »riseandshine
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:26pmBill Pinsetter Clinton
Report Post »MNYukon
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:23pmSo pleasant to hear Bush’s voice making a speech that is sound, makes sense and with honesty rather than our current POTUS who is screeming, screeching and repeating the same phrase over and over 20 times. President Bush is a President and Laura is a first lady and not the jokers who are in the white house now.
Report Post »Gary Fishaholic
Posted on September 12, 2011 at 1:24pmAgreed!!!
Report Post »LovinUSA
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:23pmThank You President Bush, your message was heartfelt and sincere, we miss you……
Report Post »Rayblue
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:13pmGypsy123…When you speak of lack of courage, you speak for yourself.
Report Post »This debacle has made us even more hardened and willing to sacrifice than ever I remember.
CatB
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:13pm“The Rev. Daniel Coughlin, who was the U.S. House Chaplain at the time of the attacks, called the sacrifices made by the passengers and crew “willing seed for freedom’s harvest.”
Nice that BLOOMBERG wasn’t in charge of this memorial service … he should not be DICTATING the one in NYC either.
Report Post »TeaPartyPatriot
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:12pmWatch the Speeches Bush, Clinton and Biden Gave at the Flight 93 Memorial in Pa.
Report Post »…meanwhile, OBOZO remains in DC, where it’s a fine day for another round of golf.
sodacrackers2
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:12pmDid they show the big red crescent pointing to Mecca?
Report Post »trueblueday
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:10pmI listened/watched President Bush as I had listened to and watched him on that sorrowful day on 09/11/01. That is all I need, not the other two.
Report Post »riseandshine
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:16pmBilly and Georgie are buds.
Report Post »riseandshine
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:24pmSorry
Report Post »godlovinmom
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:03pmEnjoyed this memorial very much…well, until clinton got up there. Mr. Bush spoke from the heart, quoted a few bible verses and you could feel his compassion for America. Biden and Clinton, not so much!
Report Post »dissentnow
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:46pmI actually thought that Clinton spoke very well. Biden, on the other hand, not so much.
Report Post »godlovinmom
Posted on September 11, 2011 at 1:52amYou are right, clinton wasn’t that bad, I just loath him is all!
Report Post »manster35
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 4:54pmBush could have been much more conservative in his time in office. But he is an honorable man who loves his country. Man I miss him, compared to the Socialists that are in charge now. The President Bush for being a man of integrity and honor. Barry just go away you are the worst president ever and a joke.
Report Post »qpwillie
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:23pmI think one of the things that makes President Bush look so great there is the contrast with what we have sadly become accustom to over the past nearly three years. President Bush wasn‘t perfect and I didn’t agree with some of the things he did but he loves America and I long for a president that I can say that about again.
Report Post »GeoInSD
Posted on September 11, 2011 at 11:53amI didn’t always agree with 43, but I was always sure that his motivation was to serve the people of the USA, and not vain ambition. His primary concern was the USA’s safety. You might not agree with how he executed on that but I think it is difficult to truly doubt 43′s sincerity.
I believe Obama’s motivation is also to serve the people of the USA AND he believes he can best do so by transforming the USA into the image he has in his mind of what the USA should be, REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE PEOPLE WANT. Just witness how he executed passing Obamacare and USA involvement in Libya. He will try to get buy in from the public, but if they won’t go along, he will do it anyway. When Congress challenged him on the legality of the Libya involvement without congressional consent as required by the War Powers Resolution, he basically said “to hell with you Congress, I don’t need you or your consent.” I don’t believe Obama is evil where he deliberately does what he believes is ill towards the USA, but I do believe that he believes he knows better than everyone and will execute his will whether we, the America public, like/want it or not. I believe Obama believes the USA would be better off as a dictatorship with him as dictator so he could do every wonderful thing he envisions without those pesky checks and balances of the Constitution.
43 did work loopholes in the law but I don’t believe he ever flipped a finger to the will of the American majority, in contrast to Obam
Report Post »KickinBack
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 4:53pmI just hope and pray that 2,500 years from now the history books won’t read “And the brave Americans stopped the ‘foreign nationals’ from committing an act of ‘man made catastrophe.”
Report Post »jakartaman
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 4:47pmI don’t think bush had one I or me in his entire speech!
Report Post »Remarkable – I miss that a whole lot!
hidden_lion
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 4:47pmI still think it would be better if the plane had hit the halls of congress, then we could have finally had a term limit and filled the house and senate with people who actually cared about this country.
Report Post »LIBSALWAYSLIE
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:27pmhidden_lion
Report Post »That is such a stupid comment. think first, if you can.
Gypsy123
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 4:45pmBiden is not really fitting in there. But they couldn’t send the present president for obvious reasons he would fit in less.
Report Post »Those people on that plane had what most american lack today. Courage
dmforman
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 4:55pmWell said!
Report Post »kourage
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 4:41pmIt still seems unthinkable today…
Report Post »W@nd@
Posted on September 11, 2011 at 12:47amWhat seems unthinkable today for me is how we are still fighting to save our country!
Report Post »Only this time, it is from within & without! Everytime i look at what has happened
in just the last 2 1/2 years it pierces my heart!
How quickly after the last election some have gone back to sleep!
After 9/11 we were awake, ready to stand against this evil that attacked us!
Now, it appears the evil is in our camp, in our very government.
Working against it‘s own states and it’s own people to take away our prescious freedoms!
Violating our laws, to work against America’s mantle in the Earth! Freedom
Replacing it with tyranny. I ask everyday, Lord help us to stand
against this wickedness n high places, to give us the victory & regain our freedoms.
The Spirit n these 40~ten short years ago, is w/ us today.
We must stand against every tyranny~until we win! Nothing less is acceptable!
With stalwart determination, we take the lead of the 40, taking what we have in our hand:
Just go! Their cry is our cry! “Let’s ROLL!”
Being brave as our fallen compatriots, never to give up or give-in to the face of evil!
We never dreamed it would come to our door again so quickly?
Awaken to those who have taken the easy road! Of looking the other way, of not getting involved, of letting someone else do it. That is NOT America! All that can do, must do…
to stand together & be immovable where freedom is concerned!
That ALL that have gone on before will NOT have died in vain!
YepImaConservative
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 4:38pmDidn’t see it (won’t play). Did Biden say anything stupid, classless?
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 4:55pmWhat he says appears stupid because we are not Marxists
Report Post »YepImaConservative
Posted on September 10, 2011 at 5:52pmI see.
Report Post »