9/11 Speech


Speaker:	George W. Bush
Delivered On:	9/11/2001
Place:	White House, Washington DC
Subject:	Terrorism, 9/11 attacks
Audio/Video Available:
Description:	On the morning of September 11, 2001, four American planes were hijacked by Middle Eastern terrorists; three were successfully flown into government buildings. Two planes hit the World Trade Center towers, and one was flown into the Pentagon. The last plane crashed in Pennsylvania, after courageous passengers stood up to the terrorists. That morning, George Bush was scheduled to appear at a school in Sarasota, Florida, to read a book to a classroom of schoolchildren. He learned of the plane crashes on his way into the school; the malicious intent was confirmed once he was in the classroom. Instead of leaving immediately, he stayed for about 20 more minutes, so as not to upset the children. That night, he addressed the nation with hopes to both calm and call to action.
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Transcript/Log:	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 works, 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 beacons 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 of 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’s 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 under way 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 harbored them. I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who join me in strongly condemning these attacks, and on behalf of 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 that grieve. For the children who’s worlds have been shattered. For all who’s 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.