George W. Bush: “They did not live to know who had caused the destruction or why.”

We learned that bravery is more common than we imagined, emerging with sudden splendor in the face of death.

To you and the honored dead, our country is forever grateful.

For eight years, it has been my honor to serve as your President. The first decade of this new century has been a period of consequence—a time set apart.

Today, we remember your loss, we share your sorrow and we honor the men and women that you have loved so long and so well.