9/11 memorial: Poignant rarely-seen photos show immediate aftermath of attacks

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Francesca Gillett11 September 2017

A rare collection of never before seen photographs taken in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 has been released by the US Government on the anniversary of the tragedy.

To mark 16 years since the harrowing Twin Towers and Pentagon attacks which killed nearly 3,000 people, the US Department of Defence published the series of images showing the moments America tried to come to terms with what had happened.

Among the scenes captured on camera is the frenzy as then-President George W Bush turns to watch the television coverage and a Pentagon clock frozen in time which stopped working when the plane crashed.

“The day was 16 years ago, but it’s one that changed life for everyone in America, as well as many across the globe,” said Katie Lange, who works for the Department of Defence.

Eric Draper, courtesy of the George W. Bush Presidential Library

“It’s what propelled many to join the military, go into civil service or just be inspired to do more for their country.”

Solemn: The former president with his vice president Dick Cheney.
George W Bush Presidential Library

The rarely-seen images also include a photograph of George W. Bush speaking on the telephone aboard Air Force One while senior staff huddle nearby.

Another captures the moment Mr Bush grasps his father’s hand after speaking at a memorial service just three days after the disaster and again listening intently during a conversation with his vice president Dick Cheney.

“We’ve all seen photos of the devastation from that day, but here are a few lesser-seen images,” Ms Lange said.

“While some aren’t as iconic as others you’ve seen over the years, they’re impactful just the same.”

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