What those 40 passengers and crew on Flight 93 prevented, we may never know, but we are pretty certain the target of that hijacked flight was the Capitol. Both houses of congress were in session that day. Had the hijackers succeeded, the legislative branch of our federal government might have been wiped out, and with that, our girl. The heroes of Flight 93 very probably saved our senators, representatives, their staffs, and all who were visiting the Capitol that day. Bill Clinton knows what might have been lost that day. He knows who might have been among the casualties. Today he joined President George W Bush and Vice President Biden to dedicate a memorial to the heroes of Flight 93.
George W. Bush gave a lovely and touching speech. Quite eloquent and elegant. He rightly pointed out that these 40 people were the first troops in a new war that was only an hour old. They knew what was happening, took a vote, and acted. It was an example of democracy at its best.
Bill Clinton, as we know, seems unable to make a public declaration without mentioning Hillary. He cannot resist talking about her which is completely understandable. Today he began his statement saying that she came home yesterday with eyes red from crying after spending the day in NYC. Yes, as Senator from N.Y. she represented a constituency attacked that day and made her way home as quickly as she could to attend to those she represented. Bill Clinton is in Shanksville today honoring these heroes who very probably saved her for him and for us. He concluded his speech rather casually announcing that in the moments before the ceremony he and John Boehner agreed to mount a bipartisan fund raiser to collect the $10 million dollars needed to finish this memorial. In typical Clinton fashion, leading by example, he taught a mini-lesson in reaching across the aisle.
Vice President Biden spoke forcefully and as elegantly as both former Presidents. This was a very touching ceremony. I found it disconcerting that MSNBC chose the term “victims” in their little floating graphic on the screen. If there is any message we are to come away with today, it is that these citizens stepped up to the plate, made the hard decision, and fought back for their country. They were not victims. They were the best of the best. They were heroes.
Thanks to discourse for finding and sharing the video of WJC’s speech!
Still4Hill 
He’s the only one of the three to be sans spouse. Too bad, but she’s always on his mind. If she found, New York so moving yesterday, she probably didn’t want to risk crying on camera.
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Maybe the administration thought having the VP and the SOI there was enough representation – especially with this threat out there – she’s 4th in succession. . As a member of the administration, she may not always be free to choose what events she attends with or without her squire. He sure doesn’t let anyone forget to whom he is married.
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He also softens and “humanizes” (yes, I know some don’t like that term, but I think it fits) her image. He talks about her having been crying and about falling in love with her and it reminds many who think of her as the tough, powerful, unshakable woman on tv that there are emotions and a softer side under that armor of professionalism. He’s gotten so much better at it than he was during the election.
I think you’re right about her not always being able to go to certain events because of her position, but I think there’s something else worked into that too. Every time both Clintons are in the same place people take a second look. It’s not fair, but their relationship will always draw attention. With all the nostalgia for the nineties that’s been floating around I don’t think the administration wants the photos of the first couple from that era standing side by side as then did then – President and First Spouse – and bringing up old memories and, perhaps, new ideas. No she’s doing the administration a favor by staying home.
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Well, I am not so sure it’s a favor. I think it was orders – protocol. Especially with this threat out there. They are parceling out the secretaries and other officials. Napolitano is in NY now.
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I found this little blog posted by someone about that day towards the bottom theres is a little part about Bill and Chelsea I found touching. The concern from the clintons is real.
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oops the link http://www.megcabot.com/2011/09/ten-years/
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Wow! Thank you so much for sharing that, Rachel! There are so many stories about that day. It’s such a hard day to get through. Seems like this year it’s more than one day – Friday was the NYC working day, today was Shanksville, and tomorrow – well … you know.
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This is Bill’s speech.
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YAY!!!! Thank you for finding and sharing this! Gold medal to you!
I’m putting it above the fold!
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You’re welcome.
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