Remarks at Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta

Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, Feb 4, 2002

We're doing everything we can at home to find out, to track down anybody who would dare hurt innocent United States citizens. And we're making pretty good progress. The Federal Bureau of Investigation's major task now, its most important job, is to protect the homeland. We've got thousands of agents tracking down any hint, any lead, making sure that America is safe.

I've got a Homeland Security Office, all designed to work to make sure that a bioterrorist attack can be responded to, to make sure our heroic police and firefighters have the tools necessary to respond, to be active and first-responders, to make sure we understand who's coming into our country and who's leaving our country.

We're doing everything we can at home. But I want to tell you all, as plainly as I can, the best homeland defense, the best way to make sure America is secure and free, is to find the enemy where it hides and bring them to justice. And we're making good progress, and I appreciate the resolve and patience of our country. I appreciate the unity that stands behind the men and women who wear our uniform.

I sent such brave, brave men and women into a tough conflict. And I want to tell you, they haven't let us down. I see some students with your uniforms on. If you choose to go into the military, I want to thank you and let you know that your Government will stand squarely behind you. Whatever it takes to win the war on terror, we will pay it.

I said to the people who killed thousands of Americans that we're coming after you, that we won't let your evil acts stand. I also said that if you hide one of those people, if you feed one of those people, you're just as guilty as those who attacked America. And the Taliban has learned the lesson of that doctrine. They no longer are in power, thank God, for women and children in Afghanistan. Our Nation has liberated--we not only served to bring justice--not revenge but justice--we have liberated women and children who lived under the most oppressive regime--one of the most repressive regimes in this history of mankind. I am proud of this great country.

When you graduate this year if you're a senior, you're the first--yes, sir--you're the first--[laughter]--you're the first senior class that has graduated after America has been attacked on the homeland. Think about that. That is historic, and it's not over unless we pursue our mission.

And so, therefore, the mission is not just those who flew into the building. These people, the Al Qaida people, trained thousands of people in their camps before we started moving on them. I say thousands of ticking timebombs ready to go off. And therefore, we must be relentless in our pursuit, not just in Afghanistan, but wherever they hide.

That's why it's so important to have a vast coalition of nations, friendly nations together. And it's why it's important for our country to continue to lead, to make sure that part of the doctrine that says, "Either you're with us or you're against us," is enforced. It is so important that we fight for freedom, so young can grow up in a free society.