Dallas, Texas – On Wednesday evening, former President George W. Bush will welcome community members, veterans and national leaders to the George W. Bush Presidential Center for a special remembrance ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks. The event, titled “A Legacy of Service: America at the 25th Anniversary of 9/11,” begins at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public.
Program highlights
The centerpiece of the evening will be a conversation between President Bush and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Both will share personal reflections on how the attacks reshaped the nation, the ongoing impact on American life, and the continued call to serve the country.
A moderated panel will follow, featuring General Dan Caine, the current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and former Deputy National Security Advisor J.D. Crouch, who served under President Bush from 2005 to 2007. The discussion will explore the legacy of the nation’s response and the enduring responsibilities of the armed forces.
Veterans will also be highlighted. Paralympic triathlete and Army veteran Melissa Stockwell, a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient who lost a leg in Iraq, will speak about resilience and service. Jared Lyons, a Navy veteran and CEO of Student Veterans of America, will join the conversation, emphasizing the importance of supporting veterans in education and the workforce.
Artistic tribute
In addition to the program’s dialogue, President Bush will display sixteen paintings he created to honor the courage, sacrifice and resilience demonstrated on September 11. The works will be exhibited in Freedom Hall at the Bush Museum through the end of September, offering a visual tribute to the nation’s steadfast spirit.
Public remembrance
The Center has invited Dallas residents to participate in a moment of remembrance on Friday morning, joining local first responders in a collective tribute to those who gave their lives and to the heroes who continue to protect the community.
President Bush, who was in office on September 11, 2001, was at an elementary school in Florida when the attacks began. He later coined the phrase “war on terrorism” and addressed Congress on September 20, launching a two‑decade effort to combat extremist threats. After completing his second term in 2008, he retired to Texas with his wife Laura, maintaining a low public profile while continuing to serve through charitable and artistic endeavors.
Community significance
The event underscores Dallas’s role as a gathering place for national reflection and highlights the city’s commitment to honoring the sacrifices of service members and first responders. By bringing together former leaders, veterans and citizens, the ceremony aims to reinforce the shared values of faith, family and liberty that have guided the nation since that fateful day.
For more information on attendance, programming and volunteer opportunities, visit the George W. Bush Presidential Center’s website.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
