Meaning: The quote you've provided is from George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, and it was delivered in a speech given on September 11, 2001, in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The attacks on that day were a series of coordinated, horrific acts of terrorism that resulted in the deaths of thousands of people and had a profound impact on the United States and the world at large.

In this quote, President Bush is speaking to the resilience and strength of the American people and the nation as a whole in the face of such devastating events. He uses powerful imagery to convey the idea that while physical structures may be damaged and destroyed, the core values and spirit of the United States remain unshaken and unbreakable.

The phrase "Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America" highlights the idea that the physical destruction caused by the attacks, symbolized by the shaking of the buildings, cannot undermine the fundamental principles and values that America stands for. The use of the word "foundation" is particularly significant, as it evokes the idea of something solid, enduring, and essential - something that cannot be easily disrupted or destroyed.

President Bush then goes on to say, "These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve," further emphasizing the idea that while the attacks may have caused immense physical destruction, they cannot weaken the determination and strength of the American people. The use of the word "steel" in this context conveys a sense of unyielding strength and resilience, symbolizing the unwavering spirit and resolve of the nation.

The quote is a powerful and poignant reminder of the resilience and unity that emerged in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. In the face of tragedy and devastation, it served as a rallying cry for the American people to come together, support one another, and demonstrate unwavering resolve in the face of adversity.

In the years following the attacks, the quote has continued to resonate as a symbol of the strength and resilience of the American spirit. It has been invoked in speeches, memorials, and commemorations, serving as a reminder of the enduring impact of that fateful day and the indomitable spirit of the American people.

Overall, President Bush's words in this quote capture the essence of the American response to the 9/11 attacks - a response characterized by resilience, unity, and an unwavering commitment to the values and principles upon which the nation was founded. It stands as a testament to the enduring strength of the American spirit in the face of adversity and serves as a powerful reminder of the unbreakable resolve of the nation in the wake of tragedy.