Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Event/Special

Bush Speaks at Pentagon

Aired September 11, 2002 - 11:04   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: The president is just about to get under way. Let's go back to the Pentagon.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: One year ago, men and women and children were killed here because they were Americans, and because this place is a symbol to the world of our country's might and resolve.

Today, we remember each life. We rededicate this proud symbol. And we renew our commitment to win the war that began here.

(APPLAUSE)

The terrorists chose this target hoping to demoralize our country. They failed.

Within minutes, brave men and women were rescuing their comrades. Within hours, in this building, the planning began for a military response. Within weeks, commands went forth from this place that would clear terrorist camps and caves and liberate a nation. And within one year, this great building has been made whole once again.

(APPLAUSE)

Many civilian and military personnel have now returned to offices they occupied before the attack. The Pentagon is a working building, not a memorial. Yet the memories of a great tragedy linger here. And for all who knew loss here, life is not the same.

The 184 whose lives were taken in this place -- veterans and recruits, soldiers and civilians, husbands and wives, parents and children -- left behind family and friends who loss cannot be weighed.

The murder of innocents cannot be explained, only endured. And though they died in tragedy, they did not die in vain.

(APPLAUSE)

Their loss has moved a nation to action in a cause to defend other innocent lives across the world. This war is waged on many fronts. We've captured more than 2,000 terrorists. A larger number of killers have met their end in combat.

We've seized millions in terrorist assets. We're reorganizing the federal government to protect the homeland, yet there's a great deal left to do. And the greatest tasks and the greatest dangers will fall to the armed forces of the United States. I came to the presidency with respect for all who wear America's uniform. Every day...

(APPLAUSE)

Every day, as your commander in chief, my respect, and that of our nation, has deepened. I have great confidence in every man and women who wears the uniform of the United States of America.

(APPLAUSE)

I am proud of all who have fought on my orders, and this nation honors all who died in our cause.

Wherever our military is sent in the world, you bring hope and justice and promise of a better day. You are worthy of the traditions you represent, the uniform you wear, the ideals you serve. America is counting on you, and our confidence is well placed.

(APPLAUSE)

What happened to our nation on a September day set in motion the first great struggle of a new century. The enemies who struck us are determined and they are resourceful. They will not be stopped by a sense of decency or a hint of conscience. But they will be stopped.

(APPLAUSE)

A greater force is amassed against them. They are opposed by freedom-loving people in many lands. They are opposed by our allies who have fought bravely by our side. And as long as terrorists and dictators plot against our lives and our liberty, they will be opposed by the United States Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and Marines.

(APPLAUSE)

We fight as Americans have always fought not just for ourselves, but for the security of our friends and for peace in the world. We fight for the dignity of life against fanatics who feel no shame in murder. We fight to protect the innocent so that the lawless and the merciless will not inherit the Earth.

At every turn of this war, we will always remember how it began and who fell first -- the thousands who went to work, boarded a plane or reported to their post. Today the nation pays our respects to them. Here and in Pennsylvania and in New York, we honor each name and each life.

BUSH: We ask God to bring comfort to every home where they are loved and missed. And on this day, and on every day, may He watch over the United States of America.

God bless.

(APPLAUSE) AARON BROWN, CNN ANCHOR: The president in his talk to the Pentagon. A thank you, a vote of confidence and a prayer for peace in all those homes that have been lessened by the events of a year ago.

REAR ADM. BARRY BLACK, CHAPLAIN, U.S. NAVY: Let us pray. Eternal Lord God who has given us this good land, help us never to forget our September 11th wake-up call.

Lord, you awakened us to a deeper appreciation of freedom's high cost. You awakened us to see the heroism in ordinary Americans who face the horrific with courage conceived in faith's womb. You awakened us to rededicating our lives, to making the American dream more than rhetoric, but reality.

Lord, forgive us when we have failed to transform our creeds into our deeds. Help us to be up and doing for liberty's cause.

May Todd Beamer's words "Let's roll" illuminate the path ahead. Lord, let us roll towards bringing hope and healing in the midst of despair and hope. Let us roll toward bringing unity where we find division. Let us roll toward bringing your peace on Earth.

In the days to come, Lord, challenge us when our dreams come true, because they are too small. Challenge us when we forget that righteousness brings favor and that truth crush to Earth will rise again. Challenge us, Lord, when we arrive safely simply because we have sailed too close to the shore. Make us indeed, one indivisible nation, sustained by your loving providence, with liberty and justice for all.

Amen.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com