This photograph of President George W. Bush represents the strength of our nation and the devotion that our President gives us. It depicts strength and perseverance through objects like the U.S. flag standing tall in the background and the serious look President Bush has on his face. When looking at this picture, President Bush is the main focus, everything else is blurred in the background. Although the American flag is blurred, it is positioned in such a way that makes it become the second focus of the picture. The American flag represents the united front of American citizens, and how they will remain strong no matter what happens. The flag stands tall, much taller than President Bush in the photograph. He and the flag are the two subjects that grab the viewer's attention. President Bush is leaning toward the left and looking out of the corner of his eye, perhaps toward the camera. His eyes look glazed over and puffy; that's probably because he's been crying and is sleep deprived. This photograph was taken September 13, 2001, two days after the attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. This photograph presents a moment in history that America, as a nation, will never forget. There are many symbols within this photograph that represent the strength and power of the United States; the lighting and color of the photograph represent the aura of the nation after September 11th, 2001.

At the time this photograph was taken, the president was talking to Governor George Pataki and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani of New York. During the phone conversation, he thanked them for their leadership and dedication. He also announced that he would be in New York City KUHN 2KUHN 2the following day by saying, "I look forward to joining with both of you in thanking the police and fire, the construction trade workers, the restaurant owners, the volunteers -- all of whom have really made a huge display for the world to see of the compassion of America, and the bravery of America and the strength of America" (Bush, line 7). President Bush assures them that he is giving New York City whatever it needs: "I know you've put in a request, and I've directed the Attorney General to expedite any payments of benefits for those fallen public safety officers to their families, any benefits to their families.  And the Attorney General, as I understand it, will be making a formal announcement of your request today." He also assured them that he is working with Congress and was expediting supplemental funds so that the money could be distributed (Bush, line 12). George Bush says that he is working to fix the economic problems that people in New York will encounter because of the attacks. He gives the families dealing with this tragedy have to worry about one less thing. 

There are many symbols represented in this photograph. The one that is most noticeable is his wedding band; it shines in this photograph to an extent that catches the viewer's eye. The wedding band represents what America stands for. Although we love that he is a family man, this ring represents courageousness and faithfulness, which he was doing for our country.  These qualities are what we look for in a president; someone who is committed to his family, in hopes that he will be as equally committed to the nation. Being the leader of the free world is a tremendously stressful job, which is clearly demonstrated from his appearance.  

The next symbols that stand out are the wrinkles on his forehead and his greying hair. He is not clean shaved, which suggests that he has not had time due to his stress about the nation. President Bush is dedicating all of his time to the country's needs rather than his own.  At this time, everyone was looking to President Bush to receive answers about why the nation had been KUHN 3KUHN 3attacked and what he was going to do about it. The country was terrified and in mourning. In his televised phone conversation with Mayor Giuliani and Governor Pataki he said, "Let me make it clear to you all as my close friends that my mind set is this: one, I weep and mourn with America" (Bush, line 16). This gave the citizens of the United States a sense of security or reassurance that we would overcome that horrific event. Even though he was the leader of the nation he made people feel like he was one of them and he was standing by our side. Another symbol is the lighting on the left, toward the flag and where he seems to be looking. It  appears as if the flag symbolizes a brighter future and better things to come. Lastly, this shot was taken at a lower angle, which suggests the country is looking up to him. This is fitting because everyone was looking to him for answers after the attacks on September 11th. 

Most importantly, this photograph is ominous and represents a dark time in America. The photographer kept this photo dull and shady; he did not decide to lighten this photo by adding a higher exposure. The mood of this photograph correlates to the darkness seen by the viewers. It was a hard time for America, but one can see in President Bush's face that he was confident the nation would overcome this tragedy and there would be a brighter future for America. This photo represents the strength of America and the dedication of the president. The purpose of this photograph was to show the American people how diligently President George W. Bush was working to help the nation; he was brave and tenacious. This photograph was used to raise spirits about the tragedy seen a few days earlier. This photo is patriotic and strong, which is how Americans see the nation.

During his conversation, President Bush spoke on the phone with the Governor Pataki and Mayor Giuliani to thank them for their services and to promise them that their servicemen would receive all the benefits they deserve. New York City was the United States' No. 1 priority after KUHN 4KUHN 4the September 11th attacks. As a nation we protect our own, we risk our lives to save others, and we stand strong at the sign of fear. This photo represents this perfectly. Elements like focus, and lighting within this photograph are symbolic to the United States and the American people. 

