FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, September 10, 2005
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The White House - Office of the Press Secretary
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President's Radio Address Highlights Hurricane Katrina Activities, Directs Public to USA Freedom Corps |
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Multimedia |
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THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. On Sunday, our nation will observe the fourth
anniversary of the September the 11th terrorist attacks. Every American has
memories of that day that will never leave them. We remember the images of fire
and terror at the Pentagon, in Pennsylvania, and in the heart of New York City.
We remember the ruthlessness of those who murdered the innocent and took joy
in their suffering. We remember the courage of the police and firefighters and
rescue personnel who rushed into burning buildings to save lives, knowing they
might never emerge. And we remember the victims -- moms and dads, sons and
daughters, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives -- and the loved ones they
left behind.
As night fell on America on September the 11th, 2001, we felt grief and great
sorrow. Yet we also saw that, while the terrorists could kill the innocent, they
could not defeat the spirit of our nation. The despair and tragedy of that day
were overcome by displays of selflessness, courage and compassion.
And in the days and weeks that followed, America answered history's call to
bring justice to our enemies and to ensure the survival and success of liberty.
And that mission continues today.
Four years later, Americans remember the fears and uncertainty and confusion
of that terrible morning. But above all, we remember the resolve of our nation
to defend our freedom, rebuild a wounded city, and care for our neighbors in
need.
Today, America is confronting another disaster that has caused destruction
and loss of life. This time the devastation resulted not from the malice of evil
men, but from the fury of water and wind.
Hurricane Katrina flattened entire towns along our Gulf Coast, and left one
of America's most storied cities under water. Tens of thousands have lost homes
and loved ones and all their earthly possessions. The storm took countless lives
and forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee from their communities with
no assurance of returning soon.
Once more our hearts ache for our fellow citizens, and many are left with
questions about the future. Yet we are again being reminded that adversity
brings out the best in the American spirit. In this time of great suffering, we
have seen the courage and determination of rescue personnel who willingly risk
their lives to save the lives of others. We have seen the spirit of America's
armies of compassion who have rallied in response to this tragedy. Faith-based
organizations and community groups and individual citizens across the country
are caring for those affected by the storm, and comforting those whose loved
ones are lost or missing. Across our country, Americans are generously opening
their homes and hearts to their brothers and sisters in need.
To find out how you can help, I urge you to visit
www.usafreedomcorps.gov, or call
1-877-USA CORPS. The citizens of the Gulf Coast can count on their fellow
Americans in this time of trial, and their government is standing with them, as
well.
This week I signed legislation providing an additional $52 billion for
response and recovery efforts. We have already begun distributing $2,000 in
emergency relief to every displaced household, money they can use immediately
for food, clothing and other essentials. I have also called for all people from
disaster areas to be granted special evacuee status, making it easier for them
to collect federal benefits like food stamps and Medicaid wherever they are in
America.
We are assisting the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and we will help the
people of the Gulf Coast recover from adversity. Despite all they've endured,
the people of that region are determined to rebuild their homes and reclaim
their lives, and their fellow Americans are determined to help them. To
accomplish the difficult work ahead of us, our nation will call upon our vast
resources and the ingenuity of our citizens, and these will be required in full
measure.
Our greatest resource in such times is the compassionate character of the
American people, because even the most destructive storm cannot weaken the heart
and soul of our nation. America will overcome this ordeal, and we will be
stronger for it.
Even in the deepest darkness, we can see the light of hope, and the light
shows us the way forward. We will honor the memory of those we have lost; we
will comfort the victims of Katrina; and we will make the Gulf Coast more
vibrant than ever.
In all that lies before us, may God watch over the United States of America.
Thank you for listening.
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