Notes

Editor's Note: On Sept. 11, 2001, the United States faced a horrible attack. Four airplanes were taken over by terrorists. They hated America and wanted to hurt as many people as they could. Two of the planes were flown into the World Trade Center towers in New York City. Firefighters and police rushed to help. Then, the towers crumbled to the ground. Another hijacked plane crashed into the Pentagon. Nearly 3,000 people died that day. In response, the U.S. launched a war in Afghanistan. The war went on for 13 years. Below are President Bush's words to the nation after the attack.

Good evening.

Today, Americans, our way of life and freedoms came under attack. There were a number of terror attacks. They were planned and deadly. The terrorists struck people in airplanes and in their offices. Moms and dads, friends and neighbors were hurt or killed. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended. We will never forget the pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge buildings collapsing. We are sad and horrified but we are not afraid. Our country is strong.

America is a great nation. We will protect our people. This country was targeted for attack because we are a bright light, an example of freedom. No one will keep that light from shining. Today, our nation saw the worst of evil and we responded with the best of America. We did this with the daring of our rescue workers. We did it by caring for our neighbors. Many, many people came to help in any way they could.

Right after the first attack, I activated our government's safety plans. Our military is strong. It is prepared. Our teams are working to help in New York City and in Washington, D.C. Our first job is to help those who have been badly hurt. It is also important to protect Americans at home and around the world from attacks.

The work of our government continues without stopping. Some offices in Washington had to be closed today. They are already reopening tonight for some important workers. They will all be open tomorrow. Our banks and businesses remain strong.

We are searching for those who were behind these terrible acts. I have directed our law officers to find them. They will be punished. We will also punish anyone who is hiding those who planned this.

I thank the lawmakers who have joined me in saying how wrong these attacks were. I also thank the world leaders who have called. They said that they stand with America against terrorism. America and our friends will win against terrorism.

I ask for your prayers. We pray for children whose worlds have been shattered. We pray for all whose feelings of safety have been threatened.

I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than us, by God. It says in the Bible that though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I do not have fear. God is with me.

This is a day when all Americans of all kinds unite. America has had enemies before. We have fought them. And we will do the same this time. None of us will ever forget this day. Still, we will go forward to protect all that is good and right in our world.

Thank you. Good night. And God bless America.