Reserve Mobilization Shows Nation's Resolve, Bush Says at Pentagon

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2001 - President George W. Bush said today that his Sept. 14 call up of Guar, Sept. 17, 2001 – These include air defense, port security, military with airlift and logistics, military police, engineering, intelligence, and chaplains.

Bush said he appreciates and thanks employers of Guardsmen and reservists, especially those "who understand that there is more to corporate life than just profit and loss."

"Freedom has a cost," Bush emphasized, adding that service members understand this "better than most" Americans.

The mobilization will entail "a lot of sacrifice for those who will be called up, and their families," he said.

America, he added, is willing to bear the cost of freedom.

"An act of war has been committed on this country," Bush said, "and the dedication of our Guardsmen and reservists will serve not only as a strong symbol to all that we are prepared to take the necessary actions; it will be a part of helping to find the spirit and courage of America, and I'm grateful."

Terrorists hijacked four American commercial airliners Sept. 11. They crashed two airliners into New York's World Trade Center and one into the Pentagon. A fourth crashed in a field in southwestern Pennsylvania. About 5,000 people are feared dead in the assaults.

The President declared a state of national emergency Sept. 14, and he has been entrusted by Congress to use all force necessary to protect Americans and eradicate the threat of global terrorism.