(MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J., 2026-01-26 01:33:00) — In the wake of the September 11th attacks, then-New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani expressed unwavering resolve, vowing the city’s recovery and eventual strengthening.
Following the attacks on September 11, 2001, Mayor Giuliani pledged New York City’s resilience and reconstruction.
- President George W. Bush met with Mayor Giuliani and New York Governor George Pataki at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey on September 14, 2001.
- Giuliani publicly committed to rebuilding New York City, asserting it would emerge “stronger than before.”
- The mayor’s statement reflected a determination to restore not only the physical skyline but also the city’s political and economic strength.
President Bush greeted Mayor Giuliani and Governor Pataki at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey on September 14, 2001, according to reports from the time.
In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, Giuliani vowed, “We will rebuild. We’re going to come out of this stronger than before—politically stronger, economically stronger. The skyline will be made whole again.”
Why It Matters
Giuliani’s statement, delivered in a moment of profound national trauma, became a defining message of resilience and determination for New York City and the nation. The pledge to rebuild went beyond simply restoring structures; it encompassed a commitment to reclaiming the city’s spirit and economic vitality. This commitment shaped the recovery efforts and continues to resonate in discussions about disaster preparedness and urban resilience today. The vow to rebuild “politically stronger” also signaled a determination to maintain civic unity and purpose in the face of adversity.
“We will rebuild. We’re going to come out of this stronger than before—politically stronger, economically stronger. The skyline will be made whole again.” — Rudolph Giuliani, September 14, 2001
The meeting between President Bush, Mayor Giuliani, and Governor Pataki underscored the federal government’s commitment to supporting New York City’s recovery. The visual of the three leaders together conveyed a message of national unity and resolve in the face of the attacks.
