May God continue to bless America.
Text of Bush's Speech
By The Associated Press
October 7, 2001, 1:55 PM EDT
President Bush's address to the nation following
the beginning of air strikes in Afghanistan, as
transcribed by eMediaMillWorks, Inc.
___
BUSH: On my orders, the United States military
has begun strikes against al-Qaida terrorist
training camps and military installations of the
Taliban regime in Afghanistan.
These carefully targeted actions are designed to
disrupt the use of Afghanistan as a terrorist base
of operations and to attack the military capability
of the Taliban regime.
We are joined in this operation by our staunch friend, Great Britain. Other
close friends, including Canada, Australia, Germany and France, have
pledged forces as the operation unfolds.
More than 40 countries in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and across
Asia have granted air transit or landing rights. Many more have shared
intelligence. We are supported by the collective will of the world.
More than two weeks ago, I gave Taliban leaders a series of clear and
specific demands: Close terrorist training camps. Hand over leaders of
the al-Qaida network, and return all foreign nationals, including American
citizens unjustly detained in our country.
None of these demands were met. And now, the Taliban will pay a price.
By destroying camps and disrupting communications, we will make it more
difficult for the terror network to train new recruits and coordinate their evil
plans.
Initially, the terrorists may burrow deeper into caves and other
entrenched hiding places. Our military action is also designed to clear the
way for sustained, comprehensive and relentless operations to drive
them out and bring them to justice.
At the same time, the oppressed people of Afghanistan will know the
generosity of America and our allies. As we strike military targets, we will
also drop food, medicine and supplies to the starving and suffering men
and women and children of Afghanistan.
The United States of America is a friend to the Afghan people, and we are
the friends of almost a billion worldwide who practice the Islamic faith.
The United States of America is an enemy of those who aid terrorists and
of the barbaric criminals who profane a great religion by committing
murder in its name.
This military action is a part of our campaign against terrorism, another
front in a war that has already been joined through diplomacy, intelligence,
the freezing of financial assets and the arrests of known terrorists by law
enforcement agents in 38 countries.
Given the nature and reach of our enemies, we will win this conflict by the
patient accumulation of successes, by meeting a series of challenges
with determination and will and purpose.
Today we focus on Afghanistan, but the battle is broader. Every nation
has a choice to make. In this conflict, there is no neutral ground. If any
government sponsors the outlaws and killers of innocence, they have
become outlaws and murderers themselves. And they will take that lonely
path at their own peril.
I'm speaking to you today from the Treaty Room of the White House, a
place where American presidents have worked for peace.
We're a peaceful nation. Yet, as we have learned, so suddenly and so
tragically, there can be no peace in a world of sudden terror. In the face
of today's new threat, the only way to pursue peace is to pursue those
who threaten it.
We did not ask for this mission, but we will fulfill it.
The name of today's military operation is Enduring Freedom. We defend
not only our precious freedoms, but also the freedom of people
everywhere to live and raise their children free from fear.
I know many Americans feel fear today. And our government is taking
strong precautions. All law enforcement and intelligence agencies are
working aggressively around America, around the world and around the
clock.
At my request, many governors have activated the National Guard to
strengthen airport security. We have called up reserves to reinforce our
military capability and strengthen the protection of our homeland.
In the months ahead, our patience will be one of our strengths _ patience
with the long waits that will result from tighter security, patience and
understanding that it will take time to achieve our goals, patience in all the
sacrifices that may come.
Today, those sacrifices are being made by members of our armed forces
who now defend us so far from home, and by their proud and worried
families.
A commander in chief sends America's sons and daughters into battle in
a foreign land only after the greatest care and a lot of prayer.
We ask a lot of those who wear our uniform. We ask them to leave their
loved ones, to travel great distances, to risk injury, even to be prepared
to make the ultimate sacrifice of their lives.
They are dedicated. They are honorable. They represent the best of our
country, and we are grateful.
To all the men and women in our military, every sailor, every soldier, every
airman, every Coast Guardsman, every Marine, I say this: Your mission is
defined. The objectives are clear. Your goal is just. You have my full
confidence, and you will have every tool you need to carry out your duty.
I recently received a touching letter that says a lot about the state of
America in these difficult times, a letter from a fourth grade girl with a
father in the military.
"As much as I don't want my dad to fight," she wrote, "I'm willing to give
him to you."
This is a precious gift. The greatest she could give. This young girl knows
what America is all about.
Since September 11, an entire generation of young Americans has
gained new understanding of the value of freedom and its cost and duty
and its sacrifice.
The battle is now joined on many fronts. We will not waver, we will not tire,
we will not falter, and we will not fail. Peace and freedom will prevail.
Thank you. May God continue to bless America.
tom watson tosiwmee |
