“I was truly touched by how the dirt and marks on the bullhorn resembled the tears that I and so many shed during those days.”

This post is part of a series on September 11. The George W. Bush Library holds many documents related to the events of September 11. In this series, our staff share some of their memories of the day and their thoughts on the records that are part of their holdings.

I remember September 11th and the horror watching all the desperate families trying in vain to find their loved ones throughout that day and the ensuing days.  I cried almost non-stop every time I watched the television. 

When President Bush visited Ground Zero, I remember feeling inspired and thinking that he said exactly what the nation needed to hear.  I remember being comforted by his words and proud that he was the President.  When I finally saw the bullhorn, I remembered that day and the speech he made.  I was truly touched by how the dirt and marks on the bullhorn resembled the tears that I and so many shed during those days. 

It is such a simple piece, and though it is quiet now—the batteries removed for preservation purposes—it still speaks volumes about the tragedy of that day and the strength of American resiliency.

Dr. Jennifer Schulle is the registrar at the George W. Bush Presidential Library.

The George W. Bush Presidential Library will be located in Dallas, TX, on the campus of Southern Methodist University. The permanent facility is expected to open in Spring 2013.

George W. Bush Presidential Records are not yet available to the public under the requirements of the Presidential Records Act. The records will become available toFreedom of Information Act requests on January 20, 2014. The images contained in this series were previously released.

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