Issue Date: September 8, 2002

Also:
"My Belief" by Lisa Beamer. Her husband was aboard Flight 93.
Born 9/11: From the mouths of babes
Move Ahead: Ways to take local action and volunteer to do good

President Bush wrote today's message to the nation exclusively for USA WEEKEND. Above, he poses in the Cabinet Room of the White House. Photos of Bush by Gregory Heisler for USA WEEKEND

Where We Stand
By George W. Bush

We all remember where we were and how we felt when we learned of the terrorist attacks last Sept. 11. We remember the blue sky of that Tuesday morning and, moments later, the black smoke that streaked against it. We remember the terrible scenes of planes crashing into buildings and the dread we felt as we learned the names of mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, children and their teachers -- innocent victims from more than 80 countries.

In an instant, America was transformed from a nation at peace to a country at war. We were called to defend liberty against tyranny and terror. And we have answered that call with the might of our military and the spirit of a nation inspired by acts of heroism.

In the past 12 months, we have seen the true character of our country. We learned of firefighters who wrote their Social Security numbers on their arms with felt-tip pens to mark their bodies before rushing into burning buildings. We learned of the courage of the passengers aboard Flight 93 -- American civilians who led the first counterattack in the war on terror. We watched recovery workers fulfill their grim duty while New Yorkers lined the streets to show their support and gratitude.

Today, the grief of families continues. Yet we have rebuilt much of what the terrorists set out to destroy. The Pentagon stands strong and whole. We are rebuilding New York City. The U.S. military and its allies around the world have disrupted the terrorist networks, destroyed their training camps and undermined their ability to strike again. American troops have removed the Taliban regime from power, liberating Afghan women and children from lives of fear and oppression. This will be a long war, and unprecedented challenges await us. But we have made tremendous progress.

Our government bears essential responsibilities in this struggle: to wage an effective and relentless war against terrorists, protect the homeland and strengthen America's economy. We have acted on those fronts, and we will continue to do more.

The American people have responsibilities as well. Countless people around the country have asked me, "What can I do to help in the war on terror?" The answer: Overcome evil with acts of goodness. Love a neighbor. Reach out to somebody in need. Feed someone who is hungry, teach a child to read, or join in community efforts to prepare for emergencies by helping local firefighters and police.

I have asked all Americans to commit at least two years over a lifetime to the service of our neighbors and our nation. We created USA Freedom Corps to help every American answer this call to service by strengthening and expanding service opportunities to protect our homeland, support our communities and extend American compassion around the world.

One year after the terrorist attacks, we are moving forward. We will never forget the victims who died Sept. 11 or the heroes who left an indelible mark on our nation. An entire generation of young people will grow up with vivid images of the faces of bravery -- firefighters, police officers, men and women in the U.S. military, nurses and doctors, members of the clergy, and ordinary people who put the interests of the country and fellow Americans above everything else.

We are proud of our achievements and hopeful for the future. We will win the war on terrorism and leave the world better than we found it. May God bless America.

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Why Todd and I are still a team.
By Lisa Beamer

Beamer's husband, Todd, was one of the heroes of Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania. A book by Lisa Beamer, "Let's Roll: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage," is now in stores. She lives in Cranbury, N.J., with her children, David, 4, Drew, 2, and Morgan, 8 months.

I felt the impact of Todd's absence almost immediately. He had given the kids a bath when we got home from a trip to Rome on Sept. 10. The following night, as I heard one of Todd's friends take the boys into the bath, I thought: "Oh, my goodness. Todd gave them a bath last night. That will never happen again."

Under the circumstances, our family is doing great. Our son David is starting to ask a lot of questions about what happened on the plane. I've started telling him some of the details and that it wasn't an accident. It's difficult to let a 4-year-old know that the world isn't a safe place, that there are bad people in it. But I try to keep Todd's memory alive for the children every day through situations: Do they remember when he brought the airplane toy back from Atlanta?

Todd and I always believed we're here to build a relationship with God and to build an eternity with him. That has not changed at all. In God's wisdom, he allowed this to happen for Todd. It doesn't mean I'm happy about it, but I can accept it more easily.

There are times I sit back and laugh and think Todd would be rolling on the floor -- being honored at the ESPY Awards and by the president on TV. I feel like we're still on the same team, and he still has a major influence on our family.

This Sept. 11 is my children's second day of school. After they get home Wednesday, we'll get together with a friend whose husband died at the World Trade Center and talk with our children about their daddies. I want to keep life as normal as possible for my kids. I think that's what Todd would want.

A book by Lisa Beamer, "Let's Roll: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage" (Tyndale Press, $24.99), is now in stores. She lives in Cranbury, N.J., with her children, David, 4, Drew, 2, and Morgan, 8 months.

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When teacher Mary Robison read USA WEEKEND Magazine's Dec. 28-30 cover story, in which we addressed six babies born on Sept. 11, 2001, she "had chills" and knew she wanted to share the story with her students. Robison had been talking to the fourth- and fifth-graders at New Augusta Public Academy South in Indianapolis about the terrorism attacks ever since that fateful day. After reading the article to her class, the students discussed what they could tell the babies about growing up in America today.

"And the idea just came," Robison explains. "I said, 'Why don't we write back to the babies? Let's give them a way to have hope from you.' It felt good to be able to reach out."

Following are excerpts from the youngsters' words of encouragement to those six infants, who turn 1 on Wednesday: Anastasya Cermak, Jack Corrales, Charlotte McDermott, Anne-Sophie Labossiere, Kaitlyn Nguyen and Rhett Wombles.

Dear Anne-Sophie,
Welcome to the greatest place to live. Your parents will be able to provide you with the best foods to help you grow to be big and strong. You will be able to grow up in a house that is warm and clean. You can go outside and play with friends and family without having to worry about acts of war.
If you were to get hurt or get sick, you would have the advantages of the best medications.
When you turn 5, you will have the freedom to go to school to educate and prepare you for life. You will enjoy all of the benefits of watching TV. You are given the freedom to become or achieve all of your dreams. You are given the right to choose the man or woman of your dreams and to start a family.
The American people are given the say to choose [a] great man or woman to help run and protect our country. The American people will always band together to protect this great nation and the freedom we stand for.
Your friend,
Jharray Neal, age 10

Dear babies born on Sept. 11,
Keep your head up. Look forward to your future. Live in happiness. You're an American. We do not ever give up, in fear or pain. Still, have fun on your birthday, not sadness. Look toward the future, not toward the past. There are people all over the country who are protecting you. They will never let you down.
We will always remember what happened on the day you were born. Make sure you don't forget either. Don't be afraid to ask and talk about what happened on your birthday. Always remember America's pride never lets down. Neither should yours. Just live your life and live it well. Be a kid; have fun on your birthday.
Wesley McKinney, age 12

Dear babies,
You were born in the greatest country
in the world. You have a lot of good people that will be with you all your life. You will get to go to great schools. There are great doctors and hospitals. Policemen and firemen are here, so that will protect you. You will grow up and get a good job doing what you want to do. But most of all, America has freedom. We are blessed to live in America.
Your friend,
Daniel Gronde, age 11

Dear baby born on Sept. 11,
There are a million things you have to look forward to in America, but one of the most important is freedom. Here in America you have the freedom to do almost anything you want. You have the freedom of the press, freedom of speech and a whole bunch of other things. There is not a spirit stronger than that of Americans.
With hope, happiness and luck,
Ellen K. Griffitts-Cohen, age 12

Dear Jack,
On your birthday, terrorists attacked the World Trade Center. All of America's hearts were down, but all their hopes were up because
of you and all the other babies born on Sept. 11. You have many choices in America. You can be anything you want to be. You can go to any school. You can buy any animal you want to, except wild animals, to keep you company.
Your friend,
Patrick Robinson, age 13