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Speeches throughout history that inspired action (part 5)

Want to motivate yourself as a public speaker? Read motivational speeches that inspired action.

This is part five of a five-part series showcasing speeches throughout history that changed the world.  

SPEECH: “A Great People Has Been Moved to Defend a Great Nation”

SPEECH DATE: Sept. 11, 2001

SPEAKER: George W. Bush

BIG IDEA: We have been attacked, but we are still strong. We will defend our nation, and we will bring the terrorists who did these evil acts to justice.

HOW IT INSPIRED ACTION THAT CHANGED THE WORLD: Bush’s speech united, comforted and reassured a fearful nation; laid the foundation for the war on terror; and pledged that America would hunt down the terrorists responsible for killing nearly 3,000 people and injuring more than 6,000 in the worse peacetime loss of life in American history. Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks, was finally killed in Pakistan in 2011.

EXCERPT:

“Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. … These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong.

“A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. …

“Our military is powerful, and it’s prepared. … The functions of our government continue without interruption. Federal agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for essential personnel tonight and will be open for business tomorrow. Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be open for business as well.

“The search is underway for those who were behind these evil acts. I have directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them. …

“America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world, and we stand together to win the war against terrorism.”