Dallas families and visitors can now walk the halls of the George W. Bush Presidential Center and stand inches from artifacts that shaped the nation’s response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The museum’s permanent “Nation Under Attack” exhibit, now marking its 25th anniversary, offers a tangible reminder of the day that tested America’s faith, families and freedom.
Artifacts that tell a personal story
Among the most striking pieces is a twisted steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center. Former White House Navy mess employee Robert Favela, who was on duty the night of the attacks, says the beam “makes you pause and honor the lives lost.” Favela, who spent the night of September 11 at the White House, also points to the bullhorn President Bush used at Ground Zero on September 14. “It felt like a war zone,” Favela recalls, describing the rescue effort and Bush’s famous words, “I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you.”
Another symbol of national unity is the baseball Bush threw from Yankee Stadium’s mound before Game 3 of the 2001 World Series. The ceremonial pitch, delivered just weeks after the attacks, became a rallying point for a grieving country. “Everyone was Team USA,” Favela notes, emphasizing how the simple act helped the nation begin to heal.
Personal sacrifices and lasting lessons
The exhibit also displays a Port Authority police badge that President Bush kept after receiving it from the mother of an officer killed at the World Trade Center. The badge, a reminder of the first‑responders’ bravery, underscores the personal cost of the tragedy.
Letters from world leaders, official communications received by the White House, and video footage of the days following the attacks round out the collection, offering visitors a comprehensive view of how the nation responded.
Why the exhibit matters today
Favela stresses that the exhibit is especially important for younger Americans who have no living memory of 9/11. “A lot of families lost loved ones that day,” he says. “Coming here, you’ll learn the history, the lessons of how the country can come together, and that we are all Americans.”
He adds, “If people forget, we’ll repeat the mistakes again. We can’t let our guard down. It’s hard work to keep our freedom.” The museum’s free admission day this Friday invites the community to reflect on the past while looking forward to a future grounded in faith, family and liberty.
Special temporary exhibit
In addition to the permanent display, President Bush has contributed 16 original paintings that depict scenes from the ten days after the attacks. The artwork, shown in Freedom Hall through September 30, captures themes of courage, sacrifice and resilience, offering another way for visitors to connect with the nation’s story.
By preserving these artifacts and stories, the Bush Center ensures that the memory of September 11 remains vivid, teaching each new generation the importance of unity, patriotism and the enduring strength of the American spirit.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
