    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [March 19, 2003]
    [Pages 281-282]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Address to the Nation on Iraq
    March 19, 2003

        My fellow citizens, at this hour, American and coalition forces are
    in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its
    people, and to defend the world from grave danger.
        On my orders, coalition forces have begun striking selected targets
    of military importance to undermine Saddam Hussein's ability to wage war. These are opening stages of what
    will be a broad and concerted campaign. More than 35 countries are
    giving crucial support, from the use of naval and air bases, to help
    with intelligence and logistics, to the deployment of combat units.
    Every nation in this coalition has chosen to bear the duty and share the
    honor of serving in our common defense.
        To all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces now in
    the Middle East, the peace of a troubled world and the hopes of an
    oppressed people now depend on you. That trust is well-placed. The
    enemies you confront will come to know your skill and bravery. The
    people you liberate will witness the honorable and decent spirit of the
    American military.
        In this conflict, America faces an enemy who has no regard for
    conventions of war or rules of morality. Saddam Hussein has

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    placed Iraqi troops and equipment in civilian areas, attempting to use
    innocent men, women, and children as shields for his own military, a
    final atrocity against his people. I want Americans and all the world to
    know that coalition forces will make every effort to spare innocent
    civilians from harm.
        A campaign on the harsh terrain of a nation as large as California
    could be longer and more difficult than some predict. And helping Iraqis
    achieve a united, stable, and free country will require our sustained
    commitment. We come to Iraq with respect for its citizens, for their
    great civilization, and for the religious faiths they practice. We have
    no ambition in Iraq except to remove a threat and restore control of
    that country to its own people.
        I know that the families of our military are praying that all those
    who serve will return safely and soon. Millions of Americans are praying
    with you for the safety of your loved ones and for the protection of the
    innocent. For your sacrifice, you have the gratitude and respect of the
    American people. And you can know that our forces will be coming home as
    soon as their work is done.
        Our Nation enters this conflict reluctantly. Yet our purpose is
    sure. 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. We will meet that threat now with our Army, Air
    Force, Navy, Coast Guard, and Marines, so that we do not have to meet it
    later with armies of firefighters and police and doctors on the streets
    of our cities.
        Now that conflict has come, the only way to limit its duration is to
    apply decisive force. And I assure you, this will not be a campaign of
    half measures, and we will accept no outcome but victory.
        My fellow citizens, the dangers to our country and the world will be
    overcome. We will pass through this time of peril and carry on the work
    of peace. We will defend our freedom. We will bring freedom to others,
    and we will prevail.
        May God bless our country and all who defend her.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:16 p.m. from the Oval Office at the
    White House. In his remarks, he referred to President Saddam Hussein of
    Iraq. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language
    transcript of this address.