Address to Joint Session of Congress Following September 11
Delivered on September 20, 2001, nine days after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, rallying the nation and declaring a war on terror.
Full Transcript
On September 11th, enemies of freedom committed an act of war against our country.
Americans have known wars—but, for the past 136 years, they have been wars on foreign soil, except for one Sunday in 1941. Americans have known the casualties of war—but not at the center of a great city on a peaceful morning.
Our grief has turned to anger, and anger to resolution. Whether we bring our enemies to justice, or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done.
Freedom and fear are at war. The advance of human freedom—the great achievement of our time, and the great hope of every time—now depends on us. Our nation—this generation—will lift a dark threat of violence from our people and our future.
Defining Key Excerpts
"Freedom and fear are at war. The advance of human freedom—the great achievement of our time, and the great hope of every time—now depends on us."
"Whether we bring our enemies to justice, or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done."
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