On my orders, coalition forces have begun
striking selected targets of military importance to undermine Saddam Hussein's
ability to wage war. These are opening stages of what will be a broad and
concerted campaign. More than 35 countries are giving crucial support -- from
the use of naval and air bases, to help with intelligence and logistics, to the
deployment of combat units. Every nation in this coalition has chosen to bear
the duty and share the honor of serving in our common defense. To all the men and women of the United States Armed
Forces now in the Middle East, the peace of a troubled world and the hopes of
an oppressed people now depend on you. That trust is well placed. The enemies you confront will come to know your skill
and bravery. The people you liberate will witness the honorable and decent
spirit of the American military. In this conflict, America faces an enemy who
has no regard for conventions of war or rules of morality. Saddam Hussein has
placed Iraqi troops and equipment in civilian areas, attempting to use innocent
men, women and children as shields for his own military -- a final atrocity
against his people. I want Americans and all the world to know that coalition
forces will make every effort to spare innocent civilians from harm. A campaign
on the harsh terrain of a nation as large as California could be longer and
more difficult than some predict, and helping Iraqis achieve a united, stable
and free country will require our sustained commitment. We come to Iraq with respect for its citizens, for their
great civilization and for the religious faiths they practice. We have no
ambition in Iraq, except to remove a threat and restore control of that country
to its own people. I know that the families of our military are praying
that all those who serve will return safely and soon. Millions of Americans are
praying with you for the safety of your loved ones and for the protection of
the innocent. For your sacrifice, you have the gratitude and respect of the
American people. And you can know that our forces will be coming home as soon
as their work is done. Our nation enters this conflict reluctantly -- yet, our
purpose is sure. The people of the United States and our friends and allies
will not live at the mercy of an outlaw regime that threatens the peace with
weapons of mass murder. We will meet that threat now, with our Army, Air Force,
Navy, Coast Guard and Marines, so that we do not have to meet it later with
armies of fire fighters and police and doctors on the streets of our cities.
Now that conflict has come, the only way to limit its
duration is to apply decisive force. And I assure you, this will not be a
campaign of half measures, and we will accept no outcome but victory. My fellow citizens, the dangers to our country and the
world will be overcome. We will pass through this time of peril and carry on
the work of peace. We will defend our freedom. We will bring freedom to others
and we will prevail. May God bless our country and all who defend her. " |
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March 19, 2003