    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [March 22, 2003]
    [Pages 288-289]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    March 22, 2003

        Good morning. American and coalition forces have begun a concerted
    campaign against the regime of Saddam Hussein. In this war, our
    coalition is broad, more than 40 countries from across the globe. Our
    cause is just: The security of the nations we serve and the peace of the
    world. And our mission is clear: To disarm Iraq of weapons of mass
    destruction; to end Saddam Hussein's support
    for terrorism; and to free the Iraqi people.
        The future of peace and the hopes of the Iraqi people now depend on
    our fighting forces in the Middle East. They are conducting themselves
    in the highest traditions of the American military. They are doing their
    job with skill and bravery and with the finest of allies beside them. At
    every stage of this conflict, the world will see both the power of our
    military and the honorable and decent spirit of the men and women who
    serve.
        In this conflict, American and coalition forces face enemies who
    have no regard for the conventions of war or rules of morality. Iraqi
    officials have placed troops and equipment in civilian areas, attempting
    to use innocent men, women, and children as shields for the dictator's
    army. I want Americans and all the world to know that

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    coalition forces will make every effort to spare innocent civilians from
    harm.
        A campaign on harsh terrain in a vast country could be longer and
    more difficult than some have predicted. And helping Iraqis achieve a
    united, stable, and free country will require our sustained commitment.
    Yet, whatever is required of us, we will carry out all the duties we
    have accepted.
        Across America this weekend, the families of our military are
    praying that our men and women will return safely and soon. Millions of
    Americans are praying with them for the safety of their loved ones and
    for the protection of all the innocent. Our entire Nation appreciates
    the sacrifices made by military families, and many citizens who live
    near military families are showing their support in practical ways, such
    as by helping with child care or home repairs. All families with loved
    ones serving in this war can know this: Our forces will be coming home
    as soon as their work is done.
        Our Nation entered this conflict reluctantly, yet with a clear and
    firm purpose. The people of the United States and our friends and allies
    will not live at the mercy of an outlaw regime that threatens the peace
    with weapons of mass murder. Now that conflict has come, the only way to
    limit its duration is to apply decisive force. This will not be a
    campaign of half-measures. It is a fight for the security of our Nation
    and the peace of the world, and we will accept no outcome but victory.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 11:10 a.m. on March 21 in the Cabinet
    Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on March 22. The
    transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    March 21 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. In his
    remarks, the President referred to President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. The
    Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language
    transcript of this address.