"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 shatter 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 for our intelligence and law enforcement
communities to find those responsible and 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."
-President Bush
