Remarks at a dinner for gubernatorial candidate Matt Salmon in Phoenix, Arizona

Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, Oct 7, 2002

I believe it's happening. And perhaps the most vivid example about what I'm talking about, about serving something greater than yourself, took place on Flight 93. America must remember that tragic story, because it speaks volumes about the great spirit of the country--people flying across the plane, 40 passengers and I think four crew members, I believe it was. They learned from their loved ones that something was taking place on the ground that no one could possibly imagine in America. They realized the plane they were on was going to be used as a weapon. They talked to their loved ones. They said the word "love" a lot. They said a prayer. They prayed for strength. One guy said, "Let's roll." They took the plane into the ground. They served something greater than themselves. That's a powerful story, because to me, it speaks to the soul of our country, our worth.

There is no question in my mind that if we remain strong and focused and tough, we can achieve peace. We can achieve peace for our country. We can achieve peace in the Middle East, peace in South Asia. There's no doubt we can do that, if we're tough and strong and determined to speak clearly and always defend freedom. And at home, we can eliminate those pockets of despair. We can help people with love.

And the reason I'm optimistic is because I know America. America is full of the finest people on the face of the Earth. America is the greatest nation on the face of the Earth. Thank you for coming. May God bless, and God bless America.

NOTE: The President spoke at 4:38 p.m. in the Ballroom at the Phoenix Civic Plaza. In his remarks, he referred to Jerry Colangelo, managing general partner, Arizona Diamoadbacks; Nancy Salmon, wife of candidate Matt Salmon; Rick Renzi, candidate for Arizona's First Congressional District; Mayor Anton E. "Skip" Rimsza of Phoenix; P. Robert Fannin, chairman, Arizona Republican Party; Ramzi bin al-Shibh, an Al Qaida operative suspected of helping to plan the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks; and President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate issue.