    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 37 (Monday, September 17, 2001)]
    [Page 1308]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks Following a Visit to Washington Hospital Center

    September 13, 2001

        We have just seen some really brave men and women. We met with the
    people who work for our Government, that work inside the building. We
    met with their families.
        This is a great hospital. The doctors and nurses are not only
    accomplished; they're loving people. There's a wonderful spirit up on
    the floor that we went to. We told them that our country is praying for
    each and every one there, praying for their families.
        Some of the folks could talk, and they described the horror of the
    incident, the moment. They talked about escaping, going through fire,
    crawling through debris. It was clear that they were fighting for their
    survival then, and like every patient up there, they're still fighting
    for survival.
        And it was just a sobering moment for Laura and me. But we again
    thank the hospital, the docs, the nurses and, of course, again tell the
    families that the Nation prays for those who have been injured by this
    unbelievable act of terror.
        Thank you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 12:20 p.m. outside the main entrance to
    Washington Hospital Center. A tape was not available for verification of
    the content of these remarks.