    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [September 11, 2002]
    [Pages 1569-1570]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia
    September 11, 2002

        One year ago, men and women and children were killed here because
    they were Americans and because this place is a symbol to the world of
    our country's might and resolve. Today we remember each life; we
    rededicate this proud symbol; and we renew our commitment to win the war
    that began here.
        The terrorists chose this target hoping to demoralize our country.
    They failed. Within minutes, brave men and women were rescuing their
    comrades. Within hours, in this building, the planning began for a
    military response. Within weeks, commands went forth from this place
    that would clear terrorist camps and caves and liberate a nation. And
    within one year, this great building has been made whole once again.
        Many civilian and military personnel have now returned to offices
    they occupied before the attack. The Pentagon is a working building, not
    a memorial. Yet, the memories of a great tragedy linger here. And for
    all who knew loss here, life is not the same.
        The 184 whose lives were taken in this place--veterans and recruits,
    soldiers and

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    civilians, husbands and wives, parents and children--left behind family
    and friends whose loss cannot be weighed. The murder of innocents cannot
    be explained, only endured. And though they died in tragedy, they did
    not die in vain. Their loss has moved a nation to action, in a cause to
    defend other innocent lives across the world.
        This war is waged on many fronts. We've captured more than 2,000
    terrorists; a larger number of killers have met their end in combat.
    We've seized millions in terrorist assets. We're reorganizing the
    Federal Government to protect the homeland. Yet, there's a great deal
    left to do. And the greatest tasks and the greatest dangers will fall to
    the Armed Forces of the United States.
        I came to the Presidency with respect for all who wear America's
    uniform. Every day as your Commander in Chief, my respect and that of
    our Nation has deepened. I have great confidence in every man and woman
    who wears the uniform of the United States of America. I am proud of all
    who have fought on my orders, and this Nation honors all who died in our
    cause.
        Wherever our military is sent in the world, you bring hope and
    justice and promise of a better day. You are worthy of the traditions
    you represent, the uniform you wear, the ideals you serve. America is
    counting on you, and our confidence is well placed.
        What happened to our Nation on a September day set in motion the
    first great struggle of a new century. The enemies who struck us are
    determined, and they are resourceful. They will not be stopped by a
    sense of decency or a hint of conscience, but they will be stopped.
        A greater force is amassed against them. They are opposed by
    freedom-loving people in many lands. They are opposed by our allies who
    have fought bravely by our side. And as long as terrorists and dictators
    plot against our lives and our liberty, they will be opposed by the
    United States Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Marines.
        We fight as Americans have always fought, not just for ourselves but
    for the security of our friends and for peace in the world. We fight for
    the dignity of life against fanatics who feel no shame in murder. We
    fight to protect the innocent, so that the lawless and the merciless
    will not inherit the earth.
        At every turn of this war, we will always remember how it began and
    who fell first--the thousands who went to work, boarded a plane, or
    reported to their posts.
        Today the Nation pays our respects to them. Here and in Pennsylvania
    and in New York, we honor each name and each life. We ask God to bring
    comfort to every home where they are loved and missed. And on this day
    and on every day, may He watch over the United States of America.
        God bless.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:05 a.m. at the September 11, 2001, crash
    site. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language
    transcript of these remarks.