Address by DONALD H. RUMSFELD, Secretary of Defense, United States

Great crises are marked by their memorable moments. At the height of peril to his own nation, Winston Churchill spoke of their finest hour. Yesterday, America and the cause of human freedom came under attack, and the first great crisis of America's 21st century was suddenly begun. For a long time to come, Americans will take pride and feel gratitude for how nobly and professionally the military and civilian personnel have responded at the Department of Defense. The task of vanquishing terrible enemies and in protecting the American people and the cause of human freedom will fall to you, the men and women in the Department of Defense.