George W. Bush has a message for veterans of the war in Afghanistan: “Nothing can tarnish your honor”

Former President George W. Bush shared a message with veterans and military personnel during his speech on Saturday marking 20 years after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Bush spoke from the National Flight 93 Memorial in Stoystown, Pa., Where he remembered some 3,000 people who lost their lives in four separate terrorist attacks on the most important day of the 43rd’s two terms. President.

“After 9/11, millions of brave Americans volunteered to serve in the military, and military steps taken over the past 20 years to pursue dangers at their source have sparked debate,” Bush said. . “But one thing is certain: we owe an assurance to all those who have fought the most recent battles in our country.”

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Speaking directly to “veterans and those in uniform,” Bush continued, “The cause you have pursued in the Call of Duty is the noblest America has to offer. You have protected your fellow citizens from danger. You have stood up for the beliefs of your country and advanced the rights of the oppressed. You have been the face of hope and mercy in dark places. You have been a force for good in the world.

“Nothing can tarnish your honor or diminish your accomplishments to you and the honored dead,” he said. “Our country is eternally grateful.”

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The former president’s speech then turned to a message of unity, describing much of the nation’s politics today as “a naked call to anger, fear and resentment that leaves us worried about our nation and our future together “.

“I come without explanations or solutions,” he said. “I can only tell you what I saw on the day of America’s trial and mourning. I have seen millions of people instinctively grab a neighbor’s hand and rally with each other . This is the America I know. In a time when religious bigotry could have flowed freely, I saw Americans reject prejudice and embrace people of Muslim faith. This is the nation I know. a time when nativism could have sparked hatred and violence against people perceived as outsiders, i saw americans reaffirm their welcome to this is the nation i know. individualistic and decadent, I have seen young people adopt an ethic of service and rise to altruistic action It is a nation that I know.

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Bush concluded, “This is not just nostalgia. This is the truest version of ourselves. This is what we have done and what we can be again.”

Military and government leaders underscored the message that military efforts have not been in vain in recent weeks as the last US troops were withdrawn from Afghanistan before August 31, allowing the Taliban to regain control of the country after two decades. August 26 – approximately three weeks before September 11 – 13 American servicemen were killed in an explosion in Kabul.

President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris had similar messages of unity in their respective speeches on 9/11.

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Harris joined Bush on Saturday morning in Pennsylvania, where she delivered a speech in memory of those who lost their lives 20 years ago.

“In the days following September 11, 2001, we were all reminded that unity is possible in America,” said Harris. “We were also reminded that unity is imperative in America. It is essential to our shared prosperity. To our national security. And to our standing in the world. And by unity, I don’t mean uniformity. differences of opinion in 2001, as we do in 2021. And I believe in America our diversity is our strength. “

Biden shared a similar message of unity in a Friday night speech, saying unity among Americans is “the central lesson of September 11”.

Fox News’ Kyle Morris contributed to this report.