On Wednesday night of the Republican National Convention in New York City, President Bush showed up at the Italian Charities of America hall in Queens to accept the endorsement of the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York, a union that represents 20,000 active and retired firefighters.
Bush recalled his visit with the firemen at Ground Zero shortly after Sept. 11, 2001: "The truth of the matter is, the inspiration I received from the firefighters on that site is something I'll never forget." Union president Stephen J. Cassidy told Bush: "During the attack on our nation on Sept. 11, 2001, your leadership and compassion sustained us during our darkest hour. Your post-September 11 policies have strengthened our nation by taking the war to the terrorists."
