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Brian and I had just touched down back in the Big D from Switzerland to discover that my Aunt and Uncle had driven all the way from Indianapolis to DFW for a conference.
That’s a long road back to the DFW for both of us! But after our time in Switzerland, it was good to be back down from the mountains, on level ground, and where people would actually smile at you. 😊 (c’mon Europe, loosen up!)
What better way to immerse us all back into this Dallas life then to visit the George W. Bush Library & Presidential Center.
Besides as mountain bikers, Brian and I frequently run into W out on the trails here (news flash: he’s really good and really fast).
The George W. Bush Presidential Center, which opened on April 25, 2013, is a complex that includes the 43rd President George W. Bush’s presidential library and museum, the George W. Bush Policy Institute, and the offices of the George W. Bush Foundation. And a lovely patio outside with twinkle lights and a small cafe. Coffee, chocolate chip cookies and familiar wood paneling . . I could totally move in.
It is located on the campus of Southern Methodist University (SMU) in University Park, Texas, near Dallas. It will be the future resting place of George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States (2001–2009), and his wife Laura Bush.
Visiting the George Bush Library & Presidential Center
Let’s go in!
The entrance of the library is phenomenal. And you’ll want to watch the show projected towards the roof of the entry way.
Also, the Museum at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum houses approximately 43,000 gifts given to the President and First Lady by people from around the world as well as other artifacts gathered during their time in the White House.
We were all blown away by the extraordinary gifts given from around the world.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, nineteen terrorists hijacked four airplanes perpetrating a series of attacks that killed 2,977 people.
And inside of the Bush Library is the permanent exhibit, A Nation Under Attack, remembering the events of September 11, 2001, and honoring the lives lost. Artifacts including steel from the World Trade Center, the bullhorn President Bush used to address the crowd at Ground Zero, and letters he received in the days following the attacks, make up a solemn and moving memorial to a pivotal moment for the presidency for our Nation.
The archives that will be on display include:
- Programs from the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance at The National Cathedral, Sept. 14, 2001;
- A National Cathedral main-floor seating plan and tickets from the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance, Sept. 14, 2001;
- Programs from the President’s address to the joint session of 107th Congress on Sept. 20, 2001 and
- Family condolence message sent by President and Mrs. Bush to the families of the victims.
In addition to the programs in the Library and Museum space, there will also be a minute-by-minute retelling of President Bush’s schedule from 9/11.
We were invited into the Oval office replica to take a seat and listen to more history.
And, snag a pic behind the desk.
As dog lovers, we adored learning more about the Bush’s pets.
Barney and Miss Beazley were the much beloved Scottish Terriers of President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush. Barney joined the Bush family after the Presidential election in 2000, as a gift from President Bush to Mrs. Bush. Miss Beazley was a birthday gift from President Bush to Mrs. Bush in 2004, and arrived at the White House on January 6, 2005.
“This will always be a place that welcomes each visitor with open arms.” -Mrs. Laura Bush
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