WE WILL PASS THE TEST

Statement by President Bush
from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana
Sep.11, 2001

Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward, and freedom will be defended.

I want to reassure the American people that the full resources of the federal government are working to assist local authorities to save lives and help the victims of these attacks.

Make no mistake, the U.S. will hunt down and punish those responsible for these cowardly acts.

I've been in regular contact with the vice president, secretary of defense, national security team, and my cabinet. We have taken all security precautions to protect the American people. Our military here and around the world is on high status.

And we've taken the necessary security precautions to continue functions of your government. We've been in touch with leaders of Congress and world leaders to tell, to assure them we'll do whatever is necessary to protect Americans.

I ask the American people to join me, to thank all those fighting hard to rescue victims and join me in saying a prayer to victims and families.

The resolve of our nation is being tested ... but make no mistake we'll show the world, we will pass the test.