Former President George W. Bush made a surprise visit to the 9/11 museum in lower Manhattan on Sunday, walking silently for an hour among the Ground Zero exhibits with his security agents.
The New York Post reported his visit began about 6 p.m., when the museum was still open to members of the public.
Mr. Bush greeted several police officers at the museum and as one reported, seemed emotionally moved by the exhibits, the New York Post reported. And he seemed especially touched by The Final Column, the exhibit that displays the very last steel beam that was removed from Ground Zero in 2002, the Daily Mail reported.
The Final Column is emblazoned with pictures of the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, as well as with messages of faith, love and hope from those who helped with rescue and emergency response efforts.
Mr. Bush didn’t attend the May dedication of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, allowing President Obama and former president Bill Clinton to take the spotlight. But his office did issue a joint statement from his wife, Laura, and him thanking “all those who played a role in creating this inspiring tribute” and sending “our best wishes to those gathered to dedicate it.”
Sunday was his first visit to the museum.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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