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I will never forget the bright September day, standing at my desk in the White House, when my young assistant said that a plane had hit the World Trade Center - and then a second one - and a third, the Pentagon.
Condoleezza Rice
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote recounts a pivotal moment in history, capturing the shock and disbelief of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

In this quote, Condoleezza Rice reflects on the harrowing moment when the September 11 attacks began, emphasizing the profound impact of that day on both a personal and national level. It serves as a powerful reminder of the unexpected nature of tragedy and how certain moments can etch themselves indelibly into our memories, altering the course of events in history.

Themes

September 11World Trade CenterTerrorismShockHistorical Event

In practice

Example use cases

During a memorial service for 9/11 victims.

More from Condoleezza Rice

Today's headlines and history's judgment are rarely the same.
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I think my father thought I might be president of the United States. I think he would've been satisfied with secretary of state. I'm a foreign policy person and to have a chance to serve my country as the nation's chief diplomat at a time of peril and consequence, that was enough.
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What the United States has done is to be open to people who are fleeing tyranny, who are fleeing danger, but we have done it in a very careful way that has worked for us.
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For the United States, supporting international development is more than just an expression of our compassion. It is a vital investment in the free, prosperous, and peaceful international order that fundamentally serves our national interest.
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Today's headlines and history's judgment are rarely the same. If you are too attentive to the former, you will most certainly not do the hard work of securing the latter.
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Does anybody think these people were just sitting around drinking tea?
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