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For over two decades, bin Laden has been al Qaeda’s leader and symbol, and has continued
to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies. The death of bin Laden
marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al
Qaeda.
Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort. There’s no doubt that al Qaeda
will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must –- and we will -- remain vigilant
at home and abroad.
As we do, we must also reaffirm that the United States is not –- and never will be -– at
war with Islam. I’ve made clear, just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11,
that our war is not against Islam. Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer
of Muslims. Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including
our own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.
Over the years, I’ve repeatedly made clear
that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was. That is
what we’ve done. But it’s important to note that our counterterrorism cooperation
with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding. Indeed,
bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well, and ordered attacks against the Pakistani
people.
Tonight, I called President Zardari, and my team has also spoken with their Pakistani
counterparts. They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations.
And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight
against al Qaeda and its affiliates.
The American people did not choose this fight. It came to our shores, and started with
the senseless slaughter of our citizens. After nearly 10 years of service, struggle, and
sacrifice, we know well the costs of war. These efforts weigh on me every time I,
as Commander-in-Chief, have to sign a letter to a family that has lost a loved one, or
look into the eyes of a service member who’s been gravely wounded.
So Americans understand the costs of war.
Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly
by when our people have been killed. We will be relentless in defense of our citizens
and our friends and allies. We will be true to the values that make us who we are. And
on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda’s
terror: Justice has been done.
Tonight, we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who’ve
worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome. The American people do not see their work,
nor know their names. But tonight, they feel the satisfaction of their work and the
result of their pursuit of justice.
We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism,
patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country. And they are part
of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day.
Finally, let me say to the families who lost
loved ones on 9/11 that we have never forgotten your loss, nor wavered in our commitment to
see that we do whatever it takes to prevent another attack on our shores.
And tonight, let us think back to the sense
of unity that prevailed on 9/11. I know that it has, at times, frayed. Yet today’s
achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the
American people.
The cause of securing our country is not complete. But tonight, we are once again reminded
that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history, whether
it’s the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens;
our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world
a safer place.
Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because
of who we are: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Thank you. May God bless you. And may
God bless the United States of America.