    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 36 (Monday, September 12, 2005)]
    [Pages 1355-1356]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks at the Emergency Operations Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

    September 5, 2005

        First of all, thanks for doing your duty. You've faced one of the
    greatest challenges our country has ever faced. As a result of your
    compassion and your hard work and your dedication, a lot of people's
    lives were saved, and I want to thank you for that. I hope that makes
    you feel good, to know that you helped save life.
        We've got a lot of work to do. I told the Governor and the Senators
    and the Congress people, I said, ``You know, if it's not right, we're
    going to fix it, and if it is right, we're going to keep doing it.'' And
    this is just the beginning of a huge effort to--and we're going to
    continue to save life. But you've got to know that lives are still being
    saved as we speak because thousands of people are taking in these
    displaced souls, in their homes and churches and synagogues and mosques
    and providing love and compassion and food.
        This is one of these disasters that will test our soul and test our
    spirit. And--but we're going to show the world, once again, that not
    only we will survive, but that we will be stronger and better for it
    when it's all said and done, that amidst this darkness, there is light.
    And I want to thank you all for providing light, immediate light to
    people who needed help. You make your State and your local governments
    and your country proud.
        God bless you and your families. May God bless the victims, and may
    God continue to bless our country. Thank you.

    [[Page 1356]]

    Note: The President spoke at 1:05 p.m. In his remarks, he referred to
    Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco of Louisiana.