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GEORGE W. BUSH DECLARES WAR AGAINST
TERRORISM
9/11 Address
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It follows the full text transcript of
George W. Bush's 9/11 Address, delivered from the
Oval Office, Washington, D.C. - September 11,
2001
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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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