    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [September 11, 2001]
    [Pages 1098-1099]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, on the Terrorist Attacks
    September 11, 2001

        Freedom, itself, was attacked this morning by a faceless coward, and
    freedom will be defended. I want to reassure the American people that
    the full resources of the Federal Government are working to assist local
    authorities to save lives and to help the victims of these attacks. Make
    no mistake: The United States will hunt down and punish those
    responsible for these cowardly acts.
        I've been in regular contact with the Vice President, the Secretary of Defense,
    the national security team, and my Cabinet. We have taken all
    appropriate security precautions to protect the American people. Our
    military at home and around the world

    [[Page 1099]]

    is on high-alert status, and we have taken the necessary security
    precautions to continue the functions of your Government.
        We have been in touch with the leaders of Congress and with world
    leaders to assure them that we will do whatever is necessary to protect
    America and Americans.
        I ask the American people to join me in saying a thanks for all the
    folks who have been fighting hard to rescue our fellow citizens and to
    join me in saying a prayer for the victims and their families.
        The resolve of our great Nation is being tested. But make no
    mistake: We will show the world that we will pass this test.
        God bless.

    Note: The President spoke at approximately 2:30 p.m. in the Dougherty
    Center. At 9:40 a.m., subsequent to the President's remarks in Sarasota,
    FL, American Airlines Flight 77, scheduled from Dulles International
    Airport to Los Angeles International Airport, crashed into the Pentagon.
    At 10:07 a.m., United Airlines Flight 93, scheduled from Newark
    International Airport to San Francisco International Airport, crashed
    near Shanksville, PA.