Speech by our President on the recent attack on the U.S.



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. -
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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. -
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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. -
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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. -
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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. -
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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. -
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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. -
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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. -
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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: -
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"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, -
I fear no evil, for You are with me." -
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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 w-
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e go forward to defend freedom -
and all that is good and just in our world. Thank you. -
Good night and God bless America. -
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– Pres. Of the United States- 9-11-01