    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [August 20, 2005]
    [Pages 1335-1336]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    August 20, 2005

        Good morning. In a few weeks, our country will mark the 4-year
    anniversary of the attacks of September the 11th, 2001. On that day, we
    learned that vast oceans and friendly neighbors no longer protect us
    from those who wish to harm our people. And since that day, we have
    taken the fight to the enemy.
        We have combated terrorists on the homefront by disrupting terror
    cells and their financial support networks. We're fighting the
    terrorists in Afghanistan, Iraq, and around the world, striking them in
    foreign lands before they can attack us here at home. And we're
    spreading the hope of freedom across the broader Middle East. By
    advancing the cause of liberty in a troubled region, we are bringing
    security to our own citizens and laying the foundations of peace for our
    children and grandchildren.
        In this war, our Nation depends on the courage of those who wear the
    uniform. During the coming weeks, I will meet with some of the brave men
    and women who have been on the frontlines in the war on terror. Next
    week in Idaho, I will visit with some of the fine citizen soldiers of
    the Idaho National Guard. I will also see the men and women of the
    Mountain Home Air Force Base who played a leading role in the air
    campaign in Afghanistan after the September the 11th attacks. I will
    thank all of them for their service in the war on terror, and I will
    thank the families who make their essential work possible.
        Our troops know that they're fighting in Iraq, Afghanistan, and
    elsewhere to protect their fellow Americans from a savage enemy. They
    know that if we do not confront these evil men abroad, we will have to
    face them one day in our own cities and streets. And they know that the
    safety and security of every American is at stake in this war. And they
    know we will prevail.
        Next week in Utah, I will also address the Veterans of Foreign Wars
    convention and thank the proud veterans who have given today's troops
    such a noble example of devotion and courage. At the end of the month, I
    will join our veterans and current service members in San Diego to
    commemorate the 60th anniversary of V-J Day, the day that ended World
    War II--the bloodiest conflict in human history.
        The veterans of World War II defended America when ruthless foes
    threatened our freedom and our very way of life. And after winning a
    great victory, they helped former enemies rebuild and form free and
    peaceful societies that would become strong allies of America. The World
    War II generation endured great suffering and sacrifice because they
    understood that defeating tyranny in Europe and Asia was essential to
    the security and freedom of America.
        Like previous wars we have waged to protect our freedom, the war on
    terror requires great sacrifice from Americans. By their courage and
    sacrifices, today's soldiers, sailors, airmen, coastguardsmen, and
    marines are taking their rightful place among the heroes of history, and
    the American people are thankful and proud. In this war, many of these
    brave men and women have given their lives to defend their fellow

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    citizens and to bring the hope of freedom to millions who have not known
    it. We owe these fallen heroes our gratitude, and we offer their
    families our heartfelt condolences and prayers.
        Now we must finish the task that our troops have given their lives
    for and honor their sacrifice by completing their mission. We can be
    confident in the ultimate triumph of our cause, because we know that
    freedom is the future of every nation and that the side of freedom is
    the side of victory.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 8:20 a.m. on August 19 at the Bush
    Ranch in Crawford, TX, for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on August 20. The
    transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    August 19 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. The Office
    of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of
    this address.