    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 37 (Monday, September 17, 2001)]
    [Pages 1301-1302]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Address to the Nation on the Terrorist Attacks

    September 11, 2001

        Good evening. Today our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very
    freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist
    acts. The victims were in airplanes or in their offices: secretaries,
    business men and women, military and Federal workers, moms and dads,
    friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil,
    despicable acts of terror.
        The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge
    structures collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness,
    and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended
    to frighten our Nation into chaos and retreat, but they have failed. Our
    country is strong.
        A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist
    attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they
    cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but
    they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for
    attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in
    the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.
        Today our Nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature. And we
    responded with the best of America, with the daring of our
    rescueworkers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to
    give blood and help in any way they could.
        Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our
    Government's emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and
    it's prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New York City and
    Washington, DC, to help with local rescue efforts.
        Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured and
    to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the
    world from further attacks.
        The functions of our Government continue without interruption.
    Federal agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are
    reopening for essential personnel tonight and will be open for business
    tomorrow. Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American
    economy will be open for business, as well.
        The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts.
    I've directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement
    communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We
    will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts
    and those who harbor them.

    [[Page 1302]]

        I appreciate so very much the Members of Congress who have joined me
    in strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American
    people, I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their
    condolences and assistance.
        America and our friends and allies join with all those who want
    peace and security in the world, and we stand together to win the war
    against terrorism. Tonight I ask for your prayers for all those who
    grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose
    sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will
    be comforted by a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages
    in Psalm 23: ``Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
    death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.''
        This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in
    our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies
    before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this
    day. Yet, we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just
    in our world.
        Thank you. Good night, and God bless America.

    Note: The President spoke at 8:30 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House.