Text of President
George W. Bush's statement on September 11, 2001
From the Oval Office
8:30 P.M. EDT 9/11/01
THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life,
our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly
terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes, or in their offices; secretaries,
businessmen and women, military and federal workers; moms and dads, friends
and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable
acts of terror.
The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge
structures collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness,
and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended
to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed; our
country is strong.
A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks
can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch
the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot
dent the steel of American resolve.
America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for
freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light
from shining.
Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature. And we responded
with the best of America -- with the daring of our rescue workers, with
the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help
in any way they could.
Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government's
emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it's prepared.
Our emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington, D.C.
to help with local rescue efforts.
Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured, and
to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the
world from further attacks.
The functions of our government continue without interruption. Federal
agencies in Washington, which had to be evacuated today, are reopening
for essential personnel tonight, and will be open for business tomorrow.
Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will
be open for business, as well.
The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts. I've
directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities
to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no
distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those
who harbor them.
I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me
in strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American people,
I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences
and assistance.
America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace
and security in the world, and we stand together to win the war against
terrorism. Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for
the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of
safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted
by a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23:
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I
fear no evil, for You are with me." This is a day when all Americans
from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America
has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us
will ever forget this day. Yet, we go forward to defend freedom and all
that is good and just in our world.
Thank you. Good night, and God bless America.
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