The text of the president’s speech:

My fellow citizens, at this hour, American and coalition

forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free

its people and to defend the world from grave danger.

On my orders, coalition forces have begun striking selected targets of

military importance to undermine Saddam Hussein’s ability to wage war. These

are opening stages of what will be a broad and concerted campaign. More than 35

countries are giving crucial support — from the use of naval and air bases,

to help with intelligence and logistics, to the deployment of combat units.

Every nation in this coalition has chosen to bear the duty and share the honor

of serving in our common defense.

To all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces now in the

Middle East, the peace of a troubled world and the hopes of an oppressed people

now depend on you. That trust is well placed.

The enemies you confront will come to know your skill and bravery. The

people you liberate will witness the honorable and decent spirit of the American

military. In this conflict, America faces an enemy who has no regard for

conventions of war or rules of morality. Saddam Hussein has placed Iraqi troops

and equipment in civilian areas, attempting to use innocent men, women and

children as shields for his own military — a final atrocity against his

people.

I want Americans and all the world to know that coalition forces will make

every effort to spare innocent civilians from harm. A campaign on the harsh

terrain of a nation as large as California could be longer and more difficult

than some predict. And helping Iraqis achieve a united, stable and free country

will require our sustained commitment.

We come to Iraq with respect for its citizens, for their great civilization

and for the religious faiths they practice. We have no ambition in Iraq, except

to remove a threat and restore control of that country to its own people.

I know that the families of our military are praying that all those who

serve will return safely and soon. Millions of Americans are praying with you

for the safety of your loved ones and for the protection of the innocent. For

your sacrifice, you have the gratitude and respect of the American people. And

you can know that our forces will be coming home as soon as their work is done.

Our nation enters this conflict reluctantly — yet, our purpose is sure.

The people of the United States and our friends and allies will not live at the

mercy of an outlaw regime that threatens the peace with weapons of mass murder.

We will meet that threat now, with our Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and

Marines, so that we do not have to meet it later with armies of fire fighters

and police and doctors on the streets of our cities.

Now that conflict has come, the only way to limit its duration is to apply

decisive force. And I assure you, this will not be a campaign of half measures,

and we will accept no outcome but victory.

My fellow citizens, the dangers to our country and the world will be

overcome. We will pass through this time of peril and carry on the work of

peace. We will defend our freedom. We will bring freedom to others and we will

prevail.

May God bless our country and all who defend her.