Army colonel rick reskorla who gave his life on 9 11. Rick earned the silver star and the purple heart for his service in vietnam. He later became the Vice President for security at Morgan Stanley in the world center. On the day of the attack, rick died while leading countless others to safety. His selfless actions saved approximately 2700 lives. Today im honored to announce that we will soon be awarding the late rick reskorla the president ial citizens medal for his extraordinary sacrifice. Though rick has left this earth, we will ensure that the memory of his deeds will never ever be forgotten. His memory will forever endure. Thank you. Thank you, rick. Thank you, rick. [ applause ] thank you, rick. Here on the western side of the pentagon, we saw brave men and women rush into the fire and race into the scorching flames to rescue their colleagues. When evil seeks to do us harm, the incredible men and women of the United States military answer with unyielding valor and unstoppable resolve. Navy admiral david thomas crawled through live wires and helped lift a wall of debris to save the life of a colleague. As admiral thomas remembers, it was the worse day of my life, but the heroism and selfless disregard i saw that horrible morning is forever burned in my heart. Admiral thomas, america salutes you and every patriot who defied evil that day. Thank you very much. [ applause ] thank you very much. Thank you very much. Army ranger chris b wrchltrayma repeatedly went back in the burning building rescuing one person after another. Before he entered, he said a prayer and asked god to give him strength and then he dove into the suffocating smoke and fumes and flames. At the same time, sheila moody had just prayed that someone would find her. And then she heard chris voice. As sheila says, god sent chris as her guardian angel. To sheila and chris, america is strengthened by your goodness and your grace and your bravery. Thank you very much. Thank you. [ applause ] to fulfill our unbreakable promise to every survivor and family of 9 11, earlier this year we fully reauthorized the Victims Compensation fund to the tune of billions and billions of dollars. Since september 11th, nearly 6 million young men and women have joined the United States armed forces. They have crossed seas, climbed mountains, trekked through deserts and rushed into enemy compounds to face down the threat of radical islamic terrorism. Nearly 7,000 Service Members have laid down their lives to protect our home, our flag, and our american way of life. American freedom survives only because there are patriots willing to sacrifice everything in its defense. No tribute is sufficient to convey the infinite depth of our nations gratitude. On this solemn day of remembrance, our thoughts also turn to the 200,000 valiant soldier, sailors, airmen, coast guardsmen and marines who are now at this very moment stationed overseas. We did not seek conflict but if anyone dares to strike our land, we will respond with the full measure of American Power and the ironed will of the american spirit. And that spirit is unbreakable. We had peace talks scheduled a few days ago. I called them off when i learned that they had killed a Great American soldier from puerto rico and 11 other innocent people. They thought that they would use this attack to show strength, but actually what they showed is unrelenting weakness. The last four days, we have hit our enemy harder than they have ever been hit before and that will continue. [ applause ] and if for any reason they come back to our country, we will go wherever they are and use power the likes of which the United States has never used before. And im not even talking about nuclear power. They will never have seen anything like what will happen to them. No enemy on earth can match the overwhelming strength and skill and might of the American Armed forces. And we have rebuilt and strengthened in the last 2 1 2 years, spending 700 billion, 716 billion, and now just to prove 738 billion more money by far than ever spent on our armed forces. You are the fearless sentinels who stand watch over all that we sha cherish and everything that we hold sacred, priceless dear. This morning we also give thanks to the dedicated men and women at the department of homeland security. Their department was created after 9 11 to help secure our immigration system and ensure that those who threaten our people are denied entry to our shores. Were indebted to every Law Enforcement official, state, local and federal, who dwoeevot their life to keeping america safe. As we gather at this moment and at this incredible memorial, we are reminded that there is no greater testament to our fallen heros than the presence of their families who knew and loved them so much. Among the family members here today is stephanie dunn. Her husband Navy Commander patrick dunn was one of the patriots who gave his life right here 18 years ago. Before he left that morning, patrick gave stephanie a big beautiful kiss. And then for the first time, he leaned down and kissed her pregnant stephanie was just two months along with their first child. Earlier this year, their daughter ali celebrated her 17th birthday. Ali grew up into a strong truly remarkable young woman. She mentors the children of our nations Wounded Warriors and recently i was hundred orred on her the volunteer Service Award for her hundreds of hours of community service. We are blessed to have ali here with us at todays ceremony. Thank you, ali. [ applause ] and i know your dad is watching over you. He is right up there, he is watching from heaven looking down right now with love and pride. He is so proud of you. Incredible. Also joining us is the vigiano family. For generations they have served in our military and in the new York City Fire and police departments. These are two great departments. I grew up with them, i know. On september 11th, nypd detective Joseph Vigiano rushed into the World Trade Center and died rescuing his fellow citizens. His brother john was a new york firefighter. He also gave his life that day at ground zero. At the time josephs three sons were just young boys ages 8, 6 and 3 months old. This morning they are with us, the youngest john just started his freshman year of college at Suny Maritime College and he plans to join the military. Joseph jr. Is a marine reservist and just like his father he is a proud member of the nypd is. And james is a corporal in the marines. On his last deployment, james was stationed on the uss new york, a shape made using 24 tons of steel from the World Trade Center. Every time he left the mess hall on his way to his bunk, he passed a picture of his dad. To john, joseph and james and to the vigiano family, you have sacrificed beyond measure and you will never ever stop giving back to this country. And thank you very much for being here. Thank you very much. [ applause ] thank you. Very proud of you. Thank you. Thank you very much. The heros present today remind us of an immortal truth. The future of our nation is secured through the vigilance of our people. The brave men and women who tore are through the gates of hell to save the hurt and wounded. The Service Members who honor the friends who perished by continuing their exceptional life of service. The moms and dads who endured the loss of their soul mates and fill their childrens lives with all of the adoration in the world, the sons and daughters who suffered grave loss and yet through it all persevered to care for our neighbors, defend our homeland, and safeguard our nation. Ev each of your lives tells the story of courage and character, valor and resolve, loyalty and love. This morning, we make a sacred vow to carry on this noble legacy. Today and every day we pledge to honor our history, to treasure our liberty, to uplift our communities, to live up to our values and to prove were any of our heros and above all stronger than ever to never ever forget. We are now and will forever be one American Family united by patriotism, bound by destiny, and sustained by the faith of almighty god. Thank you, god bless you, and god bless our military and god bless the United States of america. Thank you all. Thank you very much. [ applause ] the president at the pentagon this morning addressing a memorial there for those who passed away on this day 18 years ago. This also happening at ground zero of course and also in shanksville, pennsylvania as the nation pauses and honors those who fell those many years ago today. Much more on msnbc and nbcnews. Com. Full wrapup tonight on nightly news. Im savannah guthrie, this has been an nbc news special report. Good morning. Im alongside craig melvin, it is 7 14 on the west coast. Hoda will join us in a moment. Well have more on the 9 11 memorials and remembrances in a moment. There is another shakeup at the white house. Depending who you believe, he was fired or resigned, but either way, this relationship was broken beyond repair. We start with peter alexander. Reporter good morning. President trump today is searching for his Fourth National security adviser in less than three years following john boltons sudden departure that came just hours after bolton was in the situation room here sharing a National Security council meeting. His disagreements piling up over how to handle key Foreign Policy issues like north korea, afghanistan and iran. Tensions escalating between the u. S. And iran. A vocal proponent of regime change clashing with the president who showed a willingness to talk to rogue leaders. Secretary of state mike pompeo previewing possible shifts on Foreign Policy. Do you foresee a meet being later this month . Sure. Reporter President Trump in blunt terms announcing the dismissal on twitter. I informed john bolton his services are no longer needed at the white house. I disagreed strongly with many of his suggestions, therefore i asked john for his resignation which was given to me this morning. That bombshell just one hour before this White House Briefing that officials earlier said bolton would attend. Was it news to you today . Im never surprised. Bolton seen here outside the west wing tuesday morning, later disputing the president s description, texting nbc news that he was not fired. I offered to resigned last night. He never asked for it directly or indirectly. I slept on it and resigned this morning. Nbc news obtaining the terse Resignation Letter telling the president thank you for having afforded me the opportunity to serve our country. Boltons exit caps the chaotic 17 months on the job. President trump implying the two men were out of sync on National Security. John bolton is absolutely a hawk. Reporter aides tell nbc news the president s patience had been wearing thin, angered by what he saw bolton trying to paint himself as a key Decision Maker on Foreign Policy. And clashing over talks at camp david, an idea the president pulled. Who might replace him and is there a time line . Reporter Lindsey Graham saying that it will likely be someone who can work with secretary of state mike pompeo. Several names have already been floated, at the moment there is no clear front runner. Recognize the backdrop to all of it just a couple weeks out from the United NationsGeneral Assembly to take place in new york. Mike pompeo as you heard telling me the president would in effect be willing to meet with the iranian leader there without preconditions. So a lot of eyes will be focused on that now with john bolton no longer by the president s side. All right. Peter, thank you very much. Well have more on this white house shakeup later and well also get the take of Condoleezza Rice who will join us live. And were also watching to some wild weather out west especially, tornadoes touching down in south dakota. What else are you looking at al . As we take a look out west, you can see we have strong storms firing up making their because through the Western Plains and into the upper Mississippi River valley. In fact we have a risk of Severe Weather out there today. For today though, along the west coast, looking fantastic, a Beautiful Day in los angeles, sunshine 80. 73 in San Francisco. Partly sunny in seattle, some showers in amount lasalt lake. And denver with a temperature of 86. You can sk secan see temperatur have a lot of heat in the south. San diego will be in the 80s, but your yuma getting up to 110 by saturday. 106 in phoenix. Los angeles amounts wa little w them, temperatures upper 80s. And fresno will see temperatures that will be approaching 100 degrees. Rest of the country, were looking at some record highs, making their way through the south and into the gulf coast, strong storms in the upper Mississippi River valley. Expect to see the heavy rain and severe storms in the plains and out west gorgeous weather, plenty of sunshine in hawaii looking at the big island, 88. Partly sunny skies in alaska as well. Along the west coast were expecting to see east coast i should say, plenty of sunshine all in all not a bad day. Well get to your local forecast coming up in the next 30 conds. I get it all the time. Have you lost weight . Of course i have ever since i started renting from national. Because national lets me lose the wait at the counter. And choose any car in the aisle. And i dont wait when i return, thanks to drop go. At national, i can lose the wait. And keep it off. Looking good, patrick. I know. vo go national. Go like a pro. Good wednesday morning. Im meteorologist kari hall. A live look in dublin with a sunny start and Cool Temperatures. Were getting ready for hotter weather to move our way. Livermore the upper 80s. Napa reaching a high of 88 degrees. For our forecast for the inland areas, its going to turn really t as we get toward the end of the week. By friday, our temperatures peak at 101 degrees, and then gradually come back down for the weekend, feeling much better next monday. Thats your latest weather guys. Al, thank you so much just ahead, what is next, with. Just ahead, the crew safely rescued, what do you do with that 71,000 ton cargo ship on its side in the way of a vital port. Were going to have the latest on that daunting task. Ahead this morning, a potential game changer for college athletics, the state that could soon become the first in the nation to allow players to profit from their names. But first, this is today on nbc so that early retirement we planned. Its going ok . Great. Now im spending more time with the kids. Im introducing them to crab. Crab . They love it. So, you mentioned that that money we set aside. Yeah. The kids and i want to build our own crab shack. Ahhh, youre finally building that outdoor kitchen. Yup with room for the whole gang. See how investing with a j. P. Morgan advisor can help you. Visit your local chase branch. Still ahead, inside apples unveiling, why its still drawing mixed reviews this morning. After your local news and when they were done, chevy earned more j. D. Power quality awards across cars, trucks and suvs than any other brand over the last four years. So on behalf of chevrolet, i want to say thank you, real people. Youre welcome. Were gonna need a bigger room. [zara larsson wow] make youre jaw drop drop say oh my drop drop drop make u say oh my god my drop drop make youre jaw drop make u say oh my god dimitris on it. Eating right and getting those steps in . On it dimitri thinks hes doing all he can to manage his type 2 diabetes and heart disease, but is his treatment doing enough to lower his heart risk . [sfx glasses clanking. ] sorry. Maybe not. 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