Billy Graham’s September 11th Story and the National Days of Prayer
Many people remember where they were and what they were doing on September 11, 2001. Billy Graham was at his home in North Carolina. On that morning, his personal assistant, Maury Scobee, had just come from the McDonald’s drive-thru. After taking several bites of his breakfast, he heard the terrible news on the radio that sent shock waves around the world. A plane had crashed into one of the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. With a sense of urgency, he quickly rushed up the mountain to the Graham’s home.
The Morning of the Attacks
Maury briefed Mr. Graham on what had happened. He got Mr. Graham situated, turned on the television, and made a pot of coffee. Then, suddenly, a second plane slammed into the twin towers. Mrs. Graham was now just getting up, and Mr. Graham shared the news with her. Mr. Graham was glued to the television for the rest of that day – making phone calls, and conferring with various folks/family members gaining insight each hour into the tragedy. At several points throughout the day, he gathered with his wife and staff that happened to be in the home at the time for prayer.
That day, Mr. Graham also released this statement: “Within the last few hours the United States has suffered the most terrible and devastating terrorist attack in its history. Although we do not yet know the full story, these unspeakable acts of brutality strike at the very heart of our free society….Our heartfelt prayers and sympathy go out to all who have been directly touched by this tragedy, and their families. If ever there was a time for us to turn to God and to pray as a nation, it is now, that this evil will spread no further.”
Message of Comfort at Washington National Cathedral
Several days later, on September 14, 2001, Mr. Graham was summoned to our nation’s capital in Washington, D.C. to deliver a message of comfort to a country shocked and shaken. Mr. Graham traveled on a private plane that was granted permission to fly at a time when there was a mandate for national air traffic to cease. Special arrangements were made through the White House and national security approvals for the plane to land at Dulles in Washington, D.C.
Dr. David Bruce, Billy Graham’s Executive Assistant, shared what the drive to Washington National Cathedral was like. “As he drove into the city, Mr. Graham could see flames and smoke still smoldering at the Pentagon, and armed soldiers at each intersection in Washington – a moment in which there were strong tensions and concern about the possibility of other attacks.” With the grave intensity of what the world faced, Mr. Graham knew this was an opportunity God could use him to provide words of hope and healing to millions struggling.
In his address, he stated: “We come together today to affirm our conviction that God cares for us, whatever our ethnic, religious or political background may be. The Bible says that He is ‘the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.’”
Presidential Proclamation and National Remembrance
In the 15 years since the 9/11 attacks, “Americans have grieved together, held each other close, and looked out for one another,” President Barack Obama said in his proclamation issued today declaring Sept. 9-11, 2016, as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance. From the Atlantic to the Pacific, Americans were struck with grief as devastation and senseless loss of innocent human life unfolded. What emerged from the ashes of that day was not defeat -- it was the heroism, compassion, and unity of the American people, which no act of terror or hate could ever take away.
On September 11, we recall the true spirit of our Nation following these heinous attacks, and we resolve to enshrine the enduring compassion and love of our people forever in the heart of America. Fifteen years later, we pay tribute to the loss of nearly 3,000 lives, reflect on treasured memories of those we lost, and resolve to never forget that day, even as we look toward a brighter and more hopeful future.
Summary of Significant Events
- September 11, 2001: Terrorist attacks occur; Billy Graham issues a national call to prayer and repentance.
- September 14, 2001: Billy Graham delivers words of comfort at Washington National Cathedral.
- September 9-11, 2016: President Obama proclaims National Days of Prayer and Remembrance for the 15th anniversary.