delivered 11 September, Oval Office, Washington, D.C.

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, business men 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 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 were 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 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.