Video Transcript

President George Bush:

From the morning of September the 11th 2001 to this hour, America's been engaged in an unprecedented effort to defend our freedom and our security. We're fighting a war against terror with all our resources and we're determined to win. The new department will analyze threats. Will guard our borders and airports. Protect our critical infrastructure. And coordinate the response of our nation to future emergencies.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge:

To ultimately be the victor in the war against terrorism, we need all Americans to be engaged, down to the point where we ask mothers and fathers to think about doing some simple things at home to protect themselves and protect their children.

President George Bush:

Department of Homeland Security will have nearly one hundred and seventy thousand employees. Dedicated professionals who will wake up each morning with the overriding duty: protecting their fellow citizens.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge:

Every day, we do everything we can to prevent, deter and disrupt terrorist activity. But we do have to be prepared in the event an attack occurs. So we train and train to build and enhance our capabilities to respond.

The enemies of freedom are not idle and neither are we.

The bottom line is when you put on the uniform of public service, when one member of the family does, everybody does.

President George Bush:

Our life changed and changed in dramatic fashion on September the 11th 2001. Every level of our government has taken steps to be better prepared against a terrorist attack.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge:

Terrorism forces us to make a choice. We can be afraid or we can be ready.