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The
texts of President Bush's remarks following attacks on U.S. installations:
At
Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Tuesday afternoon:
Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward, and
freedom will be defended.
I
want to reassure the American people that the full resources of
the federal government are working to assist local authorities to
save lives and to help the victims of these attacks.
Make
no mistake: The United States will hunt down and punish those responsible
for these cowardly acts. I've been in regular contact with the vice
president, secretary of defense, the national security team and
my Cabinet. We have taken all appropriate security precautions to
protect the American people. Our military at home and around the
world is on high-alert status and we have taken the necessary security
precautions to continue the functions of your government. We have
been in touch with the leaders of Congress and with world leaders
to assure them that we will do whatever is necessary to protect
America and Americans.
I
ask the American people to join me in saying a thanks for all the
folks who have been fighting hard to rescue our fellow citizens
and to join me in saying a prayer for the victims and their families.
The resolve of our great nation is being tested. But make no mistake:
We will show the world that we will pass this test. God bless.
___
In
Sarasota, Fla., Tuesday morning, before attacks spread to Washington:
Ladies
and gentlemen, this is a difficult moment for America. I unfortunately
will be going back to Washington after my remarks. Secretary Rod
Paige and the lieutenant governor will take the podium and discuss
education.
I
do want to thank the folks here at the Booker Elementary School
for their hospitality.
Today
we've had a national tragedy. Two airplanes have crashed into the
World Trade Center in an apparent terrorist attack on our country.
I have spoken to the vice president, to the governor of New York,
to the director of the FBI, and I've ordered that the full resources
of the federal government go to help the victims and their families
and to conduct a full-scale investigation to hunt down and to find
those folks who committed this act.
Terrorism
against our nation will not stand.
And
now if you join me in a moment of silence.
May
God bless the victims, their families and America. Thank you very
much.
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The
Associated Press
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