Meaning: The above quote is from a speech delivered by George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. These attacks were a defining moment in American history, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and causing widespread devastation. In his speech, President Bush sought to rally the American people in the face of this immense tragedy and to emphasize the resilience and unity of the nation.

The quote reflects President Bush's efforts to convey a message of strength, solidarity, and determination in response to the unprecedented events that had unfolded. By stating, "Great tragedy has come to us, and we are meeting it with the best that is in our country," Bush acknowledges the enormity of the tragedy while also emphasizing the resolve and resilience of the American people. The use of the word "meeting" suggests a proactive and determined approach to confronting the challenges posed by the attacks, indicating a sense of determination and resolve in the face of adversity.

The phrase "with courage and concern for others because this is America" highlights the values that President Bush believed defined the nation in times of crisis. It conveys the idea that, even in the face of great tragedy, Americans would respond with bravery and compassion, reflecting the ideals of unity and community that are deeply ingrained in the national identity. By emphasizing the notion of "concern for others," Bush underscored the importance of empathy and support for one another during difficult times, thereby reinforcing the idea of collective strength and resilience.

The closing statement, "This is who we are," serves as a powerful affirmation of the national character and identity. It encapsulates the idea that the response to adversity reflects the fundamental values and principles that define America as a nation. President Bush's words sought to reassure the American people that, despite the unprecedented nature of the attacks, the nation's character and spirit remained unbroken, and that the fundamental values of courage, compassion, and unity would prevail in the face of adversity.

In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, President Bush's leadership and his ability to articulate a message of unity and resolve played a significant role in shaping the national response to the tragedy. His speech aimed to foster a sense of national solidarity and determination, while also signaling to the perpetrators of the attacks that the American people would not be cowed by terror. The quote has since become emblematic of the spirit of resilience and unity that emerged in the wake of the tragedy, serving as a reminder of the strength and fortitude of the American people in the face of adversity.

The events of September 11, 2001, and the subsequent response have had a profound and enduring impact on the United States, shaping the course of domestic and foreign policy, as well as influencing the national consciousness and identity. President Bush's quote continues to resonate as a powerful expression of the values and ideals that define the American spirit in times of crisis, serving as a reminder of the resilience, unity, and determination that emerged in the face of great tragedy.

In conclusion, President George W. Bush's quote encapsulates the spirit of unity, resilience, and determination that characterized the American response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It reflects the values of courage, compassion, and unity that define the national identity, serving as a powerful affirmation of the strength and fortitude of the American people in the face of adversity. The quote continues to hold significance as a testament to the enduring spirit of the nation in the wake of great tragedy.