    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 37 (Monday, September 17, 2001)]
    [Page 1300]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks on the Terrorist Attack on New York City's World Trade Center in
    Sarasota, Florida

    September 11, 2001

        Ladies and gentlemen, this is a difficult moment for America. I,
    unfortunately, will be going back to Washington after my remarks.
    Secretary Rod Paige and the Lieutenant Governor will take the podium and
    discuss education. I do want to thank the folks here at Booker
    Elementary School for their hospitality.
        Today we've had a national tragedy. Two airplanes have crashed into
    the World Trade Center in an apparent terrorist attack on our country. I
    have spoken to the Vice President, to the Governor of New York, to the
    Director of the FBI, and have ordered that the full resources of the
    Federal Government go to help the victims and their families and to
    conduct a full-scale investigation to hunt down and to find those folks
    who committed this act.
        Terrorism against our Nation will not stand.
        And now if you would join me in a moment of silence. May God bless
    the victims, their families, and America.
        Thank you very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:30 a.m. in the Media Center at Emma
    Booker Elementary School. In his remarks, the President referred to Lt.
    Gov. Frank T. Brogan of Florida and Gov. George E. Pataki of New York.
    At 8:45 a.m. American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade
    Center North, and at 9:05 a.m. United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into
    the World Trade Center South. Both flights were scheduled from Boston
    Logan International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport.