September 11, 2009
Posted: September 11th, 2009 08:56 AM ET

(CNN) – Former President Bush released a statement Friday marking the eight-year anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Eight years ago, our Nation and our freedom came under attack. On this solemn anniversary, Laura and I hold the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers. We honor those who volunteer to keep us safe and extend the reach of freedom – including members of the armed forces, law enforcement officers, and intelligence and homeland security professionals. Their courage, service, and sacrifice is a fitting tribute to all those who gave their lives on September 11, 2001. On this day, let us renew our determination to prevent evil from returning to our shores.

Filed under: President Bush


former republican   September 11th, 2009 10:44 am ET

Thank you ex-President Bush.

John, Brooklyn, NY   September 11th, 2009 10:42 am ET

Frankly, as New Yorkers, President Bush messages still ring hollow to us.

While I deeply share his respect and gratitude for people who are in harms way in service to our country, both foreign and domestic, the events of 9/11 were not about hitting military targets....and those who should be honored are not just those who sacrificed in the line of duty. 9/11 was about attacks on everyday Americans, regardless of race, nationality, gender, social position – EVERY New Yorker, indeed every AMERICAN – was a target that day.

So, I would suggest adding "We should take a moment today, as Americans, to consider our families, our neighbors – and even the nameless strangers we pass on the street today – and give a personal word of thanks that we all stand together."

R in Maine   September 11th, 2009 10:39 am ET

The appropriate way to remember 9/11 is Corinthians II, chapter 9, verse 11.

Wake Up   September 11th, 2009 10:39 am ET

We miss you W. Thank god Obama wasn't president in 2001.

W, you did a great job protecting us.

TKCROW   September 11th, 2009 10:37 am ET

We love you George W. – THANK YOU FOR KEEPING THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA SAFE SINCE 09/11/01.

Debra R   September 11th, 2009 10:34 am ET

George and Laura are very classy people. I resepct them a great deal for not getting nvolved in the mudslinging and actually trying their best to stop it.

a real American   September 11th, 2009 10:34 am ET

Thank you Mr. Bush for your service to our country. You did your best to protect our country for 8 years, and I know millions of Americans recognize how difficult it must have been. It's a shame, though, that so many others never understood because they were so blinded by their hatred (ironic, since these same individuals are now so "shocked" by those who disagree with our current President).

A Kickin' Donkey   September 11th, 2009 10:34 am ET

I thik this is right up against the stops of what is proper.

He's not the president anymore and he shouldn't be commenting on go forward policy.

However, showing compassion and concern for those that were affected by the attacks fits with common decency .... unfortunately that decency was missing on Wednesday night from the South Carolina delegation.

Bill   September 11th, 2009 10:26 am ET

GOD Bless President Bush. A true patriot and man of honor.

Seriously?   September 11th, 2009 10:26 am ET

While I appreciate the groups you mention above, they are NOT volunteers. They are paid to do those jobs you speak of and they chose those jobs, just as I chose mine. I admire their bravery (well not the homeland security guys) and their dedication, but again, they are not volunteers.

Scooter   September 11th, 2009 10:25 am ET

It is diffenetly a day to not forget...I notice I havent seen or heard of this new president marking the day yet. Hopefully he will take time from his day and make a notice in NY like he did last year. (but it was a election year, so Iam sure this year he will not be in NY on the spot) But he will be in MN tommorrow at the Target Center for a free concert I mean meeting to talk Health care. if anyone is interested in knowing the Dem Party called me and let me know to get there early tand that it will be airport style security to get in so he has as least noticed the changes that the day has made. A sad day in America

Jackie in Dallas   September 11th, 2009 10:24 am ET

For all his faults, and for all the mistakes he may have made in subsequent years in his term, I honor the former President, George W. Bush, for his leadership on 9/11 and the immediate days following.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who perished on 9/11, and all the brave citizens who volunteered and saved lives that day, often at the detriment to their own long-term health.

Those prayers also go out to our brave military forces from several countries who are trying to stem the influence of al Qaeda in Afghanistan, and to their families.

Jg   September 11th, 2009 10:19 am ET

As much as I disagree with most of former President Bush's policies, I'm very proud that he made a classy statement, and did not try to use 9/11 to rewrite history or push a current agenda.

Betty Phillips   September 11th, 2009 9:59 am ET

I was and still proud of Bush. He kept us safe, but now we must start our worry all over. Good luck and good health to GEORGE W. BUSH.
Betty

km in STL   September 11th, 2009 9:58 am ET

Bless you President Bush for keeping the USA safe the rest of your Presidency. It is my sincerest hope that out new President will not have to deal with a crisis such as 9/11 and the President Obama will continue to keep the USA just as safe.

seebofubar   September 11th, 2009 9:47 am ET

Now there's a statement from a real President.

Zach K   September 11th, 2009 9:47 am ET

After the controversial election and dispute, this attack was tragic, yet our nation came together.

Eight years later, why aren't we still close together? Why must fear still play a role in today's society :(

QUEENGREATEST=10/11/09   September 11th, 2009 9:46 am ET

»With President Barack Obama we have=Real SECURITY for America. Yes.

QUEENGREATEST=10/11/09   September 11th, 2009 9:45 am ET

»9/11=NEVER again!

David   September 11th, 2009 9:42 am ET

Like him or not he has been classy and has stayed away from alot of the partisan shots being thrown around for the last ... well... ever.
He has not spoken ill of Obama and he did not trash the White House and steal things with his staff before he left (like the Clintons did). He has stuck to issues and been low key, unlike Clinton and Carter who have both been on the attack for years, especially Carter.

in the middle   September 11th, 2009 9:42 am ET

I respect our former President for his office he served, but I just wish he would have taken all the hundreds of memo seriously for the threat of the attacks. I can't honestly say 9-11 wouldn't have ever happen, but I believe there could have been a good chance to stop it. I am sorry for all those who lost their lives and the families who has to live with it.

Classy   September 11th, 2009 9:39 am ET

This is a fine statement by President Bush as were Laura's comments on President Obama earlier this week. We can disagree on an issue without being disagreeable. Once again, breeding shows and it's something the "Joe Wilsons' of the world haven't a clue about.

May God bless those of many nations and faiths who perished and their families as well.

Duck Fallas   September 11th, 2009 9:37 am ET

"On this day, let us renew our determination to prevent evil from returning to our shores."

Is Dick Cheney on vacation overseas?

Johnny DC   September 11th, 2009 9:33 am ET

Well said. Thank you, Mr. President and First Lady Bush.

Rumsfeld   September 11th, 2009 9:31 am ET

Now that's what I want to hear from our former President.

yuri   September 11th, 2009 9:30 am ET

" W " indeed did make patriotic decision, right after 9/11. His services won't be forgotten. We recognize how excruciating it is to wage an all out war against unkown foes -the terrorists.

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