The President took an important step toward preparing the American people for what promises to be a long and difficult engagement. Our nation is bracing for a different battle, a confrontation that requires patience and perseverance. Our leadership must be steady and our voice calm but firm.

Terrorism is an evil that threatens our homeland and civilized nations around the world. The threat is serious and real. It seeks to exploit our strengths – in technology, organization, and freedom of movement – and turns them into weapons against us. But, as President Roosevelt once said, "we have nothing to fear but fear itself." Let us now not aid our enemies by exaggerating their threat or their power. Their aim is to extinguish the light of freedom which shines from America. The only way to resist the darkness of hatred is to spread the beacon of freedom's light even farther from our shores.

In the days and months ahead, President Bush, our nation's leaders, our men and women in uniform, and all those who serve and protect our communities deserve our support and prayers. As we work with our allies in a concerted effort, involving military, diplomatic, economic, and financial facets, we must not forget that our greatest strength comes from our democracy, our respect for human rights, our commitment to justice, and our pursuit of peace.