Text of President Bush's televised national address from the Oval Office
Tuesday after terrorist attacks across the East Coast earlier in the day, as
transcribed by eMediaMillWorks, Inc.:
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 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 are behind these evil acts.
I've directed the full resources for our intelligence and law enforcement
communities to find those responsible and 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.
APNP-09-11-01 2002CDT