SARASOTA, Fla. (WSVN) — Twenty-five years ago, former President George W. Bush was on an elementary school visit in Florida during the Sept. 11 attacks.

During his tour of Emma E. Booker Elementary in Sarasota, he popped into a second grade classroom for storytime.

He was seated in front of the class, when his chief of staff whispered to him that the World Trade Center had been hit.

“It was pretty clear to me that, if we were under attack, then my job was to defend the child that was reading to me and her family and her country,” said Bush.

“I immediately knew something was wrong, because that wasn’t supposed to happen, and his entire demeanor changed,” said retired Emma E. Booker Elementary teacher Sandra Daniels.

A quarter century later, the class and their former teacher still share a special bond.

They are also still in touch with former commander in chief.

Copyright 2026 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox