Remarks by President George W. Bush The Pentagon September 11, 2002

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

Remarks by President George W. Bush The Pentagon September 11, 2002

"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. (Applause.) 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 whose loss cannot be weighed. The murder of innocence cannot be explained, only endured. And though they died in tragedy, they did not die 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. (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.

"In 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 posts.

"Today, the nation pays our respects to them. Here, and in Pennsylvania, and in New York, we honor each name, and each life. 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.)

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

[Pippin]

Thansk for the ping, HLL!

GOD BLESS PRESIDENT BUSH AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Let's Roll!

[Teacup]

...

...

At the Pentagon today. God Bless America, and God Bless all of you.

[Miss Marple]

Thanks for the pictures, Teacup! I watched this live, and the President was very good.

Something is going to happen soon. Yu could tell by the look in his eyes, and in Rummy's.

[Wphile]

His address at the Pentagon this morning. Very stern and impressive. He's got that look like he had when he gave his speech to Congress last year.

[Aggie Mama]

What do you mean by "something"? Is it, terrorism here or smashing Saddam into hell? I was at mass, so I missed the speech. What were your impressions?

[Carolina]

I got goose bumps when the flag was unfurled and it rippled to its full length. Then the singer of the National Anthem sang it in a vigorous way. No showy embellishments. I told my kids, "Don't you ever forget this day."

Thanks for the pics.

[Miss Marple]

It is the squinty-eyed, Texas Ranger, "don't mess with Texas" look.

The same look he had when he got off Marine One right before he announced that we were bombing Afghanistan.

I am eagerly looking forward to the speech tonight from Ellis Island and the speech at the UN tomorrow.

[Teacup]

President Bush applauds, as he and Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld watch an American flag being unfurled from the roof of the Pentagon in Washington, Wednesday Sept. 11, 2002, during ceremonies marking the one-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.(here ya go)

[Teacup]

Something is going to happen soon. Yu could tell by the look in his eyes, and in Rummy's.

I agree with you 100%.

[carton253]

Do you know what time that speech from the UN will be? I want to set my VCR before work tomorrow to catch it. Thanks!

[twyn1]

I agree--President Bush has been stern and impressive today...like there is a banked-down anger underneath. On the other hand, I have noticed that he seems to mist up at times (right before he came up to speak at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville during the Battle Hymn of the Republic). it looks like he and Laura are keeping each other together (lots of hand holding and meaningful glances).

The nicest thing I have seen so far today was when Pres. Bush stood next to a young lady (girl ??) during the song at the Shanksville site, and he had to get out his glasses to read the words and he must have said something to her about needing them...she smiled up at him and it was just so touching...also the honest interest and concern on both his face and on Laura's when they were greeting the family members (esp. the children)

[Wait4Truth]

Yes, he had a tear on his cheek as he spoke at the Pentagon. That's ok, so did I. I was watching the coverage in Pennsylvania - at the very end, as President Bush was at the end of the crowd and preparing to leave, a little Black boy (about 5 years old) ran up to him and threw his arms around the President. President Bush picked him up and hugged him. He put him down and a minute later the little boy ran up to him again. The President hugged him once again and they exchanged big, big smiles. Made me cry.

[Wait4Truth]

McCain trashing the Administration on NBC.

[twyn1]

Oh I missed that -- how sweet, I find that I admire our wonderful President more and more each day --

-- continued prayers this day for the President and Laura, for our other leaders, for our military and for the family and friends of those who were murdered last year

[Miss Marple]

Well, the enemies are out in force, aren't they?

I am trying REALLY hard not to get another martini!!

[Wait4Truth]

McCain said New Yorkers should DEMAND an independent investigation of 9-11. He said the failures were NOT just intelligence failures - they were higher up (in other words, the PRESIDENT). He also commented that no heads have rolled and why is that. He tried to plant in their minds that this President was to blame. Makes me wonder if he really is going to run as an Independent in 04. Then he slammed Saudi Arabia really hard and they all applauded loudly for him, since I'm sure he knew these people just filed a law suit against SA. McCain is no better than Ritter. TRAITOR!

[cyncooper]

I was watching the coverage in Pennsylvania - at the very end, as President Bush was at the end of the crowd and preparing to leave, a little Black boy (about 5 years old) ran up to him and threw his arms around the President. President Bush picked him up and hugged him. He put him down and a minute later the little boy ran up to him again. The President hugged him once again and they exchanged big, big smiles. Made me cry.

I am so glad you saw this. I wrote to Fox News to review their footage and show it. The only channel showing it at the time that I had was CBS.

The President was walking away from the crowd after being there a long, long time meeting with everyone.

As he started to move away across the field the crowd began to applaud and he turned to wave and this little boy ran and FLUNG himself into the President's arms. The hug was returned. The other boy gave a huge hug to him as well.

I found this whole exchange quite remarkable and was looking here on FR for others who had seen it.

[Wait4Truth]

One of the most touching moments of the day, wasn't it? Especially since we have had to put up with Jennings, Brokaw and McCain all trashing the President and the Administration. Jennings deserves a lot of hate mail after his coverage today. It has been the worst. And McCain made me want to put my fist threw the screen. Trashing the Administration just prior to the President landing in NY is just unforgiveable.