IT was nearly 10 years ago that a bright September day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history.
On that day, no matter where we came from, what God we prayed to, we were united as one American family.
We were also united in our resolve to bring those who committed this attack to justice. And so we went to war against al-Qaeda to protect our citizens, our friends and our allies.
Last August, after years of painstaking intelligence, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden... hiding within a compound deep inside of Pakistan. Today, the US launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad.
A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a fire fight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.
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.
Al-Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must – and we will – remain vigilant at home and abroad. We must also reaffirm that the United States is not – and never will be – at war with Islam.
Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.
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. Our counter-terrorism co-operation with Pakistan helped lead us to where he was hiding. 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.
After nearly 10 years of service, struggle, and sacrifice, we know well the costs of war. Yet as a country we will be true to the values that make us who we are.
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.
Let me say to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11 that we have never forgotten your loss, or wavered in our commitment to... prevent another attack on our shores.
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.
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.