Statement by the President in His Address to the Nation
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