First Lady says US is kinder since September 11

America's First Lady says the US has become a kinder place since the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Laura Bush said the attacks had given birth to a "new America" free of the "self-indulgence" of the previous age.

She made her comments at the National Press Club.

She added: "We are a kinder nation today. People seem to take more time to ask about each other. I notice more people hugging their friends and even reaching out to touch people they barely know."

Mr Bush continued that there was a "renewed spirit of love for America" as the nation re-learnt its core values.

She went on to tell of the country's new appreciation of those who serve, including elected officials, stating: "Police officers and firefighters have become America's celebrities.

We've witnessed the love and sacrifice of teachers who fought their own fears to keep their children calm and safe."

She added: "We've been living in a state in an age of self-absorption and self-indulgence but the amazing thing is that in one day it all stopped and we started to re-think things.

"We began to think not about what is wrong but about what is right with our towns and our states and our countries."

"We are seeing goodness across our land... I get a sense of a new America."