[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 41 (Monday, October 16, 2006)]
[Page 1813]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
 Statement on the Sixth Anniversary of the Terrorist Attack on the 
USS Cole

October 12, 2006

    Six years ago, on October 12, 2000, Al Qaida attacked the USS Cole, 
a U.S. Navy warship refueling in Aden harbor in Yemen. This terrorist 
attack killed 17 sailors and injured many others, leaving the victims' 
loved ones and our Nation to mourn our collective loss.
    On the sixth anniversary of this attack, we pause to remember those 
brave service men and women whose lives were cut short by this act of 
terrorism and to give thanks to the brave crew whose heroic actions 
saved their ship and fellow shipmates.
    With the men we believe to be the key architects of that attack now 
in custody, this anniversary should serve to renew America's dedication 
to bring terrorists to justice and our gratitude to those men and women 
of the U.S. Government serving abroad who take great risks in protecting 
America.
    Six years ago, our Nation was tested by terrorism. Terrorists 
continue to be an active threat to our Nation, but we are responding 
resolutely and forcefully. On this solemn anniversary, we rededicate 
ourselves to the fight against the enemies of humanity, offer our 
prayers and condolences to the families of the Cole victims, and offer 
thanks to the men and women of our Navy who protect our country and 
promote peace and freedom around the world.