[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 13 (Monday, March 31, 2003)]
[Pages 353-354]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
The President's Radio Address

March 22, 2003

    Good morning. American and coalition forces have begun a concerted 
campaign against the regime of Saddam Hussein. In this war, our 
coalition is broad, more than 40 countries from across the globe. Our 
cause is just, the security of the nations we serve and the peace of the 
world. And our mission is clear, to disarm Iraq of weapons of mass 
destruction, to end Saddam Hussein's support for terrorism, and to free 
the Iraqi people.
    The future of peace and the hopes of the Iraqi people now depend on 
our fighting forces in the Middle East. They are conducting themselves 
in the highest traditions of the American military. They are doing their 
job with skill and bravery and with the finest of allies beside them. At 
every stage of this conflict, the world will see both the power of our 
military and the honorable and decent spirit of the men and women who 
serve.
    In this conflict, American and coalition forces face enemies who 
have no regard for the conventions of war or rules of morality. Iraqi 
officials have placed troops and equipment in civilian areas, attempting 
to use innocent men, women, and children as shields for the dictator's 
army. I want Americans and all the world to know that coalition forces 
will make every effort to spare innocent civilians from harm.
    A campaign on harsh terrain in a vast country could be longer and 
more difficult than some have predicted. And helping Iraqis achieve a 
united, stable, and free country will require our sustained commitment. 
Yet, whatever is required of us, we will carry out all the duties we 
have accepted.
    Across America this weekend, the families of our military are 
praying that our men and women will return safely and soon. Millions of 
Americans are praying with them for the

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safety of their loved ones and for the protection of all the innocent. 
Our entire Nation appreciates the sacrifices made by military families, 
and many citizens who live near military families are showing their 
support in practical ways, such as by helping with child care or home 
repairs. All families with loved ones serving in this war can know this: 
Our forces will be coming home as soon as their work is done.
    Our Nation entered this conflict reluctantly, yet with a clear and 
firm purpose. The people of the United States and our friends and allies 
will not live at the mercy of an outlaw regime that threatens the peace 
with weapons of mass murder. Now that conflict has come, the only way to 
limit its duration is to apply decisive force. This will not be a 
campaign of half-measures. It is a fight for the security of our Nation 
and the peace of the world, and we will accept no outcome but victory.
    Thank you for listening.

Note: The address was recorded at 11:10 a.m. on March 21 in the Cabinet 
Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on March 22. The 
transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on 
March 21 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. In his 
remarks, the President referred to President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. The 
Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language 
transcript of this address.