THE
PRESIDENT: 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.)