| Statement by the President in His Address to the
Nation |
[12 Sep 2001|11:36am] |
For Immediate
Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 11, 2001
8:30 P.M. EDT
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.
END 8:35 P.M. EDT |
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crazy
awake
shocked
bitchy
