Bush & Barksdale: The President Addresses the Nation On 9/11
By: Jenna Zibton
Updated: September 8, 2011
On September 11, 2001 President George W. Bush was in Sarasota, Florida at the time the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were taking place.
Half way across the country, in Bossier City streets were being shut down, highway traffic was at a standstill, barricades were being put up, and airmen and police were patrolling.
All preparing for the President's flight to Barksdale Air Force Base.
"The radio said they didn't know where the President was and I looked over the sky and saw Air Force One so I knew he was in Bossier City and would be landing at Barksdale" says John Henry, a mail carrier on his mail route at the time.
"We went out on the front porch and watched him circle and land" says Harvey L. Skraback, who watched 9/11 coverage from his home.
About three hours after the first plane hit the Twin Towers, about 11:45 a.m. Air Force One landed
at Barksdale Air Force Base. On board, President George Bush.
The northwest Louisiana spot picked because it's central and away from the coast.
"The president arrived here looking for a safe haven where he could quickly address the nation, make sure that they knew that he was safe, and that we did have a firm resolve to continue to do the work that needs to be done" said a Barksdale spokesman ten years ago.
President Bush addressed the country for the second time that day.
"The resolve of our great nation is being tested, make no mistake, we will show the world we will pass this test" said the President.
With so many questions, he provided reassurance.
"When he was here, we knew everything was under control. That we had a handle on it" says Skraback.
And then two hours later, about 1:45 p.m. Air Force One took off again, taking President Bush to the Stratgeic Air Command in Nebraska.
Remaining at Barksdale Air Force Base, in the 8th Air Force Museum, pieces of history from the President's visit.
The podium where President Bush addressed the nation, the flag that flew behind him and the phone he used..
"There's been a couple Presidents that have been here, but not under any circumstances like this one" says Henry.
At mid-afternoon, President Bush landed at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, where the headquarters of the Strategic Air Command are located.
About 7 p.m. the President was back in Washington.
The next day, the Secret Service found out they made the right decision keeping the President away from Washington on September 11th. It was announced legitimate intelligence had indicated Air Force One was a target.
If you would like to visit the 8th Air Force Museum on Barksdale Air Force Base, visit www.8afmuseum.com or call (318) 456-5553 or (318) 752-0055.
Half way across the country, in Bossier City streets were being shut down, highway traffic was at a standstill, barricades were being put up, and airmen and police were patrolling.
All preparing for the President's flight to Barksdale Air Force Base.
"The radio said they didn't know where the President was and I looked over the sky and saw Air Force One so I knew he was in Bossier City and would be landing at Barksdale" says John Henry, a mail carrier on his mail route at the time.
"We went out on the front porch and watched him circle and land" says Harvey L. Skraback, who watched 9/11 coverage from his home.
About three hours after the first plane hit the Twin Towers, about 11:45 a.m. Air Force One landed
at Barksdale Air Force Base. On board, President George Bush.
The northwest Louisiana spot picked because it's central and away from the coast.
"The president arrived here looking for a safe haven where he could quickly address the nation, make sure that they knew that he was safe, and that we did have a firm resolve to continue to do the work that needs to be done" said a Barksdale spokesman ten years ago.
President Bush addressed the country for the second time that day.
"The resolve of our great nation is being tested, make no mistake, we will show the world we will pass this test" said the President.
With so many questions, he provided reassurance.
"When he was here, we knew everything was under control. That we had a handle on it" says Skraback.
And then two hours later, about 1:45 p.m. Air Force One took off again, taking President Bush to the Stratgeic Air Command in Nebraska.
Remaining at Barksdale Air Force Base, in the 8th Air Force Museum, pieces of history from the President's visit.
The podium where President Bush addressed the nation, the flag that flew behind him and the phone he used..
"There's been a couple Presidents that have been here, but not under any circumstances like this one" says Henry.
At mid-afternoon, President Bush landed at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, where the headquarters of the Strategic Air Command are located.
About 7 p.m. the President was back in Washington.
The next day, the Secret Service found out they made the right decision keeping the President away from Washington on September 11th. It was announced legitimate intelligence had indicated Air Force One was a target.
If you would like to visit the 8th Air Force Museum on Barksdale Air Force Base, visit www.8afmuseum.com or call (318) 456-5553 or (318) 752-0055.
