President George W. Bush's speech on September 11th 2001.
"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, business men 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 -- 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 attacks 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 were behind these evil
acts. I have 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."