Bruce Springsteen Gives Heartbreaking “I’ll See You In My Dreams” Performance at 9/11 Memorial

Bruce Springsteen gave a heart-wrenching solo performance of “I’ll See You In My Dreams” at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City on Saturday, to mark the 20th anniversary of America’s darkest day.

Springsteen performed his 2020 song, while playing acoustic guitar and harmonica, in Memorial Square at the World Trade Center as part of the ceremony commemorating the nearly 3,000 people killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks 2001.

The New Jersey native, 71, introduced the song, saying, “God bless our fallen brothers and sisters, and their families, friends and loved ones.”

He then burst into a moving rendition of the song, which includes the moving lyrics: “For death is not the end, and I will see you in my dreams.”

Springsteen’s performance was applauded by the audience of survivors and family members of the victims who were killed on the horrific day exactly 20 years ago.

The song, the last track from his 2020 album Letter To You, was released in March 2021. It was dedicated on release to Australian record director Michael Gudinski, who died at the age of 68 the day before the release of the song.

Springsteen performed the song just after a moment of silence at 9:03 a.m., which marked the moment the hijacked United Airlines Flight 175 plane crashed into the south tower of the World Trade Center.

There were six moments of silence throughout the ceremony that began with the chime of a bell – the moment each tower was struck by the planes, the moment both towers fell.

Bell chimes also rang as the Pentagon was struck by the hijacked third plane and as Flight 93 crashed in Shanksville, Pa., After passengers attempted to grab it from terrorists en route. towards its alleged target of the White House or the United States Capitol.

The name of each victim was read during the ceremony, which began at 8:30 a.m. and lasted for several hours.

The ceremony also included the interpretation of the national anthem.

Joe Biden attended the event with First Lady Jill Biden, Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, and Former First Ladies Michelle Obama and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Biden did not speak at the ceremony, instead posting a pre-recorded video on Friday telling Americans to “be fearless.”

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand also joined the ceremony.

Biden then traveled to Shanksville, Pa. For a wreath laying ceremony at the Flight 93 memorial site, marking the spot where the United Airlines plane crashed, killing all 40 people on board. .

He is believed to be on his way to the White House or the United States Capitol when the passengers retaliated against the hijackers, prompting them to slam the jet into the ground.

The president will then visit the Pentagon, where he will visit the three sites of the coordinated attacks of September 11.

George W. Bush, who was less than a year away from his presidency when the terrorist attacks took place, attended the ceremony in Shanksville where he delivered a speech condemning “violent extremists abroad and violent extremists home, “calling them” like-minded filthy children. ‘

Bush also used his speech to tell veterans and the military that their sacrifices in the war on terror were not in vain and pushed the nation to display the same type of unity that was present in the days that followed. September 11th 2001.

“Many Americans have found it difficult to understand why an enemy would hate us with such zeal,” Bush said.

“The security measures built into our lives are both sources of comfort and reminders of our vulnerability.

“And we have seen more and more evidence that dangers to our country can come not only from borders, but also from the violence that gathers within.”

The former president said there was “little cultural overlap between violent extremists abroad and violent extremists at home” except for their “disregard for human life”.

“In their determination to defile national symbols, they are disgusting like-minded children and it is our continued duty to confront them,” said Bush – an apparent reference to the 9/11 hijackers and the rioters of the Capitol of January 6.

The former Republican President was joined by Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Flight 93 Memorial.

She also gave a speech urging Americans to remember the “unity” that emerged from tragedy two decades ago.

Harris said this unity is “essential to our shared prosperity, our national security and our standing in the world.”

“In the days following September 11, 2001, we were all reminded that unity is possible in America. We were also reminded that unity is imperative in America.

“It is essential to our shared prosperity, our national security and our position in the world,” said Harris.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump was the only surviving US president not to attend one of the official ceremonies honoring those killed two decades ago.

Instead, Trump marked the start of the 20th anniversary by tearing Biden apart over his withdrawal from Afghanistan and telling his supporters “fear not, America will be great again.”

Trump posted a video message from his Save America PAC on Saturday morning speaking only briefly about the terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 Americans on September 11, 2001 – instead, he criticized his successor for his “poor planning” and its “incredible weakness” in withdrawing troops from Afghanistan. .

The former president said the United States “will find it difficult to recover from the embarrassment caused by this incompetence.”

“We will live, but unfortunately our country will be hurt for a long time, we will have a hard time recovering from the embarrassment this incompetence has caused,” he said.

“Have no fear, however, America will be great again. ”

He then sent a statement complimenting Giuliani on Saturday morning.

“Kudos to Rudy Giuliani (for the time of 20!), The greatest mayor in New York history, for showing such leadership and doing such incredible work during and after the attack on our nation! said the ex-president.

Trump sent additional statements criticizing Biden’s withdrawal from Afghanistan throughout the dark day.

The former president told Fox on Friday he would be heading to Ground Zero on Saturday – after Biden left.

He had been quiet about his plans to mark two decades after the horrific day that changed the world.

He does, however, plan to host a boxing match between Evander Holyfield and Vitor Belfort in Hollywood, Florida on Saturday night.