(Getty)
Ari Fleischer, the former White House Press Secretary under the Bush Administration, took to Twitter today to remember September 11, 2001. He spent two hours today tweeting pictures, factoids, and unique insight as he shadowed President Bush before, during, and after the attacks.
On this day especially, but on every day, may God bless America.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
The cover of President Bush's schedule. September 11, 2001. pic.twitter.com/TI5YrNF1Ul
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
The cover of President Bush's schedule. September 11, 2001. pic.twitter.com/TI5YrNF1Ul
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
Here's a copy of one page from my 9/11 notes. pic.twitter.com/juDmalWMod
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
I took notes throughout the day as the President and Andy Card worked the phones. pic.twitter.com/Fq8acQoK9r
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
Bush was told about the Pentagon enroute AFOne. Here is the scene in his AF1 office moments later. pic.twitter.com/RHyVvBMngY
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
When the plane went down in Shanksville, 1st report we got was a plane went down "near Camp David". It's about 100 miles away.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
There were reports on TV, which we could sometimes see aboard AF1, that the Mall was on fire and a car bomb went off at State.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
Prior to 9/11, there was no satellite TV aboard AF1. Stations would come in and out as we flew overhead.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
At 10:32, info came in saying "Angel is next". Angel was the codeword for AFOne. It was one of several false reports that day.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
At this point, we knew 4 planes down. We were told there were several more in the air. USSS did not want Bush 2return 2DC.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
I learned years after 9/11 that AF1 Capt. Tillman ordered an armed AF Security man 2guard the stairs leading 2the cockpit.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
At 11:00, Bush gave authorization to put military on DefCon3. Last time US was on that level was 1973 Yom Kippur War.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
At noon, we landed at Barksdale AFB in Louisiana so POTUS could address the nation. I'm watching later coverage. pic.twitter.com/uFebKzKhA1
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
At Barksdale, Bush was told a "high speed object" was heading 4his Crawford ranch. Ranch was evacuated. Turned out 2b false.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
Bush: "I can't wait 2find out who did it. It's going 2take a while & we're not going to have a little slap on the wrist crap."
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
At Barksdale Bush called NY Sen. Schumer: "Condolences go to everyone in NY. We'll come together. God Bless."
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
Bush calls Rumsfeld:"It's a day of national tragedy. We'll clean up the mess & then the ball will be in your court 2respond."
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
Nine reporters had to stay behind. They weren't happy. Jay Carney was one of them. He was furious.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
Normally there are 14 reporters on AF1. Andy told me to cut it to 3. I said we needed 5. He said ok.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
We left behind at Barksdale members of Congress, some WH staff, and some press.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
We only had the small Secret Service crew that flies on AF1 w us & no armored cars, so Andy Card ordered traveling party 2b reduced.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
Next stop was Offutt AFB in NE. USSS still didn't want Bush in DC, and Offutt had facilities for a classified teleconference
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
USSS: "Our people r saying it's too unsteady still". Bush: "Cheney says not safe yet as well." Andy: "Right thing is 2let the dust settle."
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
Aboard AF1. Bush to Secret Service (USSS) & Andy: "I want 2go back home ASAP. I don't want whoever this is holding me outside Washington."
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
"The American people want to know where their dang President is.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
Bush to USSS: "We need to get back to Wash. We don't need some tin horn terrorist to scare us off."
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
Bush calls Giuliani and Pataki: "Our sympathies are with you and the people of NY. I know your heart is broken and your city is strained."
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
Bush also warned Giuliani and Pataki to remain alert to a second wave attack.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
Here's our arrival at Offutt AFB. AF1 parked right next to the Doomsday Plane which is based there. pic.twitter.com/HqCoSWs9v2
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
I don't know who took this YouTube video, but here is AFOne and the Doomsday plane. http://t.co/1trmcGbhpT
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
Doomsday plane dates back 2 Cold War. If a nuclear strike destroyed what's on ground, command & control could b carried out from the air.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
Believe it or not, this little building leads to the bunker WAY down below the ground at STRATCOM, at Offutt. pic.twitter.com/Tp6OzhaqaO
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
The scene at STATCOM was just like the movie "Wargames". Giant screens and lots of Air Force brass. On 9/11, also the Commander in Chief.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
At STRATCOM, reports came in of 2 intercontinental flights heading for US refusing directions to land. Both reports turned out wrong
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
Bush in NE calls Mrs. Bush: "If I'm in the WH and there's a plane coming my way, all I can say is I hope I read my Bible that day."
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
At 4:15 central time we left the bunker knowing we were returning to DC.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
Press can't take pictures on AFOne w/o my permission. As fighters escorted us, they asked 2take pictures. I said yes. pic.twitter.com/iF8FNbW5Bo
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
We landed at Andrews AFB and boarded Marine One for the WH. Below us, the smoldering Pentagon was visible from Marine One.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
Bush aboard Marine One: "The mightiest building in the world is on fire.That's the 21st century war you just witnessed."
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
Back at the WH, here's the scene in the President's private dining room, just off the Oval Office. pic.twitter.com/bfUdlRK81x
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
After Bush addressed the nation, I walked with him to the bunker (PEOC) under the WH where his national security team met.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
Amazingly, at the door 2the PEOC, I saw a USSS agent with his long gun out and ready. That for me was 9/11. May God always bless America.
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013
Forgot this. After I returned 2the WH, I briefed the press in my office. That's a young @JimVandeHei in the middle. pic.twitter.com/QoHuiOMMF9
— Ari Fleischer (@AriFleischer) September 11, 2013