[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 37 (Monday, September 16, 2002)]
[Pages 1527-1528]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia

September 11, 2002

    One year ago, men and women and children were killed here because 
they were Americans and because this place is a symbol to the world of 
our country's might and resolve. Today we remember each life. We 
rededicate this proud symbol, and we renew our commitment to win the war 
that began here.
    The terrorists chose this target hoping to demoralize our country. 
They failed. Within minutes, brave men and women were rescuing their 
comrades. Within hours, in this building, the planning began for a 
military response. Within weeks, commands went forth from this place 
that would clear terrorist camps and caves and liberate a nation. And 
within one year, this great building has been made whole once again.
    Many civilian and military personnel have now returned to offices 
they occupied before the attack. The Pentagon is a working building, not 
a memorial. Yet, the memories of a great tragedy linger here. And for 
all who knew loss here, life is not the same.
    The 184 whose lives were taken in this place--veterans and recruits, 
soldiers and civilians, husbands and wives, parents and children--left 
behind family and friends whose loss cannot be weighed. The murder of 
innocence cannot be explained, only endured. And though they died in 
tragedy, they did not die in vain.

    Their loss has moved a nation to action, in a cause to defend other 
innocent lives across the world. This war is waged on many fronts. We've 
captured more than 2,000 terrorists; a larger number of killers have met 
their end in combat. We've seized millions in terrorist assets. We're 
reorganizing the Federal Government to protect the homeland. Yet, 
there's a great deal left to do. And the greatest tasks and the greatest 
dangers will fall to the Armed Forces of the United States.

    I came to the Presidency with respect for all who wear America's 
uniform. Every day as your Commander in Chief, my respect and that of 
our Nation has deepened. I have great confidence in every man and women 
who wears the uniform of the United States of America. I am proud of all 
who have fought on my orders, and this Nation honors all who died in our 
cause.

    Wherever our military is sent in the world, you bring hope and 
justice and promise of a better day. You are worthy of the traditions 
you represent, the uniform you wear, the ideals you serve. America is 
counting on you, and our confidence is well placed.

    What happened to our Nation on a September day set in motion the 
first great struggle of a new century. The enemies who struck us are 
determined, and they are resourceful. They will not be stopped by a 
sense of decency or a hint of conscience, but they will be stopped.

    A greater force is amassed against them. They are opposed by 
freedom-loving people in many lands. They are opposed by our allies who 
have fought bravely by our side. And as long as terrorists and dictators 
plot against our lives and our liberty, they will be opposed by the 
United States Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Marines.

    We fight as Americans have always fought, not just for ourselves but 
for the security of our friends and for peace in the world. We

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fight for the dignity of life against fanatics who feel no shame in 
murder. We fight to protect the innocent, so that the lawless and the 
merciless will not inherit the earth.
    At every turn of this war, we will always remember how it began, and 
who fell first--the thousands who went to work, boarded a plane, or 
reported to their posts.
    Today the Nation pays our respects to them. Here and in Pennsylvania 
and in New York, we honor each name and each life. We ask God to bring 
comfort to every home where they are loved and missed. And on this day 
and on every day, may He watch over the United States of America.
    God bless.

Note: The President spoke at 10:05 a.m. at the September 11, 2001, crash 
site. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language 
transcript of these remarks.