Excerpts From Speeches of President George W. Bush

October 8, 2001:  On my orders, the United States military has begun strikes against al Qaeda terrorist training camps and military installations of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

These carefully targeted actions are designed to disrupt the use of Afghanistan as a terrorist base of operations and to attack the military capability of the Taliban regime. ..

More than 40 countries in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and across Asia have granted air transit or landing rights. Many more have shared intelligence.

We are supported by the collective will of the world.

More than two weeks ago, I gave Taliban leaders a series of clear and specific demands: Close terrorist training camps. Hand over leaders of the al Qaeda network, and return all foreign nationals, including American citizens unjustly detained in your country.

None of these demands were met. And now, the Taliban will pay a price.

By destroying camps and disrupting communications, we will make it more difficult for the terror network to train new recruits and coordinate their evil plans.

At the same time, the oppressed people of Afghanistan will know the generosity of America and our allies. As we strike military targets, we will also drop food, medicine and supplies to the starving and suffering men and women and children of Afghanistan.

Today we focus on Afghanistan, but the battle is broader. Every nation has a choice to make. In this conflict, there is no neutral ground. If any government sponsors the outlaws and killers of innocents, they have become outlaws and murderers themselves. And they will take that lonely path at their own peril. . .

I know many Americans feel fear today. And our government is taking strong precautions. All law enforcement and intelligence agencies are working aggressively around America, around the world and around the clock. . .

To all the men and women in our military, every sailor, every soldier, every airman, every Coast Guardsman, every Marine, I say this: Your mission isdefined. The objectives are clear. Your goal is just. You have my full confidence, and you will have every tool you need to carry out your duty.

Since Sept. 11, an entire generation of young Americans has gained new understanding of the value of freedom and its cost and duty and its sacrifice.

The battle is now joined on many fronts. We will not waver, we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail. Peace and freedom will prevail.

September 11, 2001:  Today,our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attackin aseries of deliberate and deadly terrorist attacks. The victims werein airplanesor in their offices — secretaries, businessmen and women,military andfederal 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 peoplehas 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 are 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 rescueworkers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give bloodand 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 is 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 totake every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the worldfrom 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 under way for those who are 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 harbored them.  
 
I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me instrongly condemning these attacks, and on behalf of the American people,I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolencesand assistance. America and our friends and allies join with all those whowant peace andsecurity in the world. And we stand together to win the waragainst 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 that they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages, in Psalm 23. ‘Even thoughI walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for youare with me.’

This is a day when all Americans, from every walk of life, unite in ourresolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before andwe will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day. Yet we goforward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world. Thankyou, good night, and God bless America.