Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the honor today of passing on a personal message to you from President Bush to the people of Germany and to the Government. The President's message to you is as follows:

"On behalf of the American people, I thank Germany for its outpouring of support following the terrorist attacks on September 11. America will never forget the 200,000 Germans who came to the Brandenburg Gate to express their sorrow and solidarity, nor will we forget the expressions of support by the many thousands of other Germans, in all parts of the country, who stood with us in this difficult time. And we will not forget the assistance the German Government has given to America, and continues to give, in our common effort to bring to justice the perpetrators of the terrible acts of September 11 and to end the scourge of terrorism.

America knows that it can rely on its German friends. Our common democratic traditions, our strong friendship, and our human and material resources make our close partnership one of the world's chief instruments for achieving lasting peace and prosperity in Europe and beyond. We are now joined in a struggle of historic importance. At stake is not just America's freedom and security. This is civilization's struggle. It is the struggle of all who believe in progress and pluralism, tolerance and freedom. We will persevere together. Peace and freedom will prevail.

George W. Bush"