[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 34 (Monday, August 29, 2005)]
[Pages 1291-1292]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
The President's Radio Address

August 20, 2005

    Good morning. In a few weeks, our country will mark the 4-year 
anniversary of the attacks of September the 11th, 2001. On that day, we 
learned that vast oceans and friendly neighbors no longer protect us 
from those who wish to harm our people, and since that day, we have 
taken the fight to the enemy.
    We have combated terrorists on the home front by disrupting terror 
cells and their financial support networks. We're fighting the 
terrorists in Afghanistan, Iraq, and around the world, striking them in 
foreign lands before they can attack us here at home. And we're 
spreading the hope of freedom across the broader Middle East. By 
advancing the cause of liberty in a troubled region, we are bringing 
security to our own citizens and laying the foundations of peace for our 
children and grandchildren.
    In this war, our Nation depends on the courage of those who wear the 
uniform. During the coming weeks, I will meet with some of the brave men 
and women who have been on the frontlines in the war on terror. Next 
week in Idaho, I will visit with some of the fine citizen soldiers of 
the Idaho National Guard. I will also see the men and women of the 
Mountain Home Air Force Base who played a leading role in the air 
campaign in Afghanistan after the September the 11th attacks. I will 
thank all of them for their service in the war on terror, and I will 
thank the families who make their essential work possible.
    Our troops know that they're fighting in Iraq, Afghanistan, and 
elsewhere to protect their fellow Americans from a savage enemy. They 
know that if we do not confront these evil men abroad, we will have to 
face them one day in our own cities and streets. And they know that the 
safety and security of every American is at stake in this war. And they 
know we will prevail.
    Next week in Utah, I will also address the Veterans of Foreign Wars 
convention and thank the proud veterans who have given today's troops 
such a noble example of devotion and courage. At the end of the month, I 
will join our veterans and current service members in San Diego to 
commemorate the 60th anniversary of V-J Day, the day that ended World 
War II, the bloodiest conflict in human history.
    The veterans of World War II defended America when ruthless foes 
threatened our freedom and our very way of life. And after winning a 
great victory, they helped former enemies rebuild and form free and 
peaceful societies that would become strong allies of America. The World 
War II generation endured great suffering and sacrifice because they 
understood that defeating tyranny in Europe and Asia was essential to 
the security and freedom of America.
    Like previous wars we have waged to protect our freedom, the war on 
terror requires great sacrifice from Americans. By their courage and 
sacrifices, today's soldiers, sailors, airmen, coastguardsmen, and 
marines are taking their rightful place among the heroes of history, and 
the American people are thankful and proud. In this war, many of these 
brave men and women have given their lives to defend their fellow 
citizens and to bring the hope of freedom to millions who have not known 
it. We owe these fallen heroes our gratitude, and we offer their 
families our heartfelt condolences and prayers.
    Now we must finish the task that our troops have given their lives 
for and honor their sacrifice by completing their mission. We can be 
confident in the ultimate triumph of our cause, because we know that 
freedom is the future of every nation and that the side of freedom is 
the side of victory.
    Thank you for listening.

Note: The address was recorded at 8:20 a.m. on August 19 at the Bush 
Ranch in Crawford, TX, for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on August 20. The

[[Page 1292]]

transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on 
August 19 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. The Office 
of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of 
this address.