THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

September 13, 2001

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
TO THE TRAVEL POOL
AFTER VISITING WASHINGTON HOSPITAL CENTER

Washington Hospital Center
Washington, D.C.

12:20 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: We have just seen some really brave men and women. We
met with the people who work for our government, that work inside the
building. We met with their families.

This is a great hospital. The doctors and nurses are not only
accomplished, they’re loving people. There’s a wonderful spirit up on the
floor that we went to. We told them that our country is praying for each
and every one there, praying for their families.

Some of the folks could talk, and they described the horror of the
incident, the moment. They talked about escaping, going through fire,
crawling through debris. It was clear that they were fighting for their
survival then, and like every patient up there, they’re still fighting for
survival.

And it was just a sobering moment for Laura and me. But we again
thank the hospital, the docs, the nurses and, of course, again tell the
families that the nation prays for those who have been injured by this
unbelievable act of terror.

Thank you all.

END 12:21 P.M. EDT