Enduring Question

"My fellow Americans:

"Today, we have learned the answer to one of the most enduring questions of all time - are we alone in the universe? - but not in the way any of us could have imagined nor hoped for.

"Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom has come under attack in a series of atrocious and despicable acts of war. The victims are men, women, and children all across our nation, and throughout the world: children in school or parents at work; teachers, doctors, businessmen, priests; moms and dads, friends and neighbors, the young and elderly alike. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by simultaneous landings performed at various locations around the world - the first stages of a planetwide invasion. Horrors we once thought possible only in the realm of Hollywood now manifested in reality.

"By now, all of you will have seen the pictures coming out of California, Texas, Florida, Virginia, South Dakota... even of our allies, of London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Manila, Jerusalem... everywhere, images of death and despair, of monstrous alien creatures in highly advanced armor and powerful weapons, and yet slaughtering indiscriminately, more like savage barbarians rather than the heralds of an enlightened civilization. These images have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger. There isn't one of us here who isn't in some way connected to someone impacted today.

"We cannot tell at this moment just who are these invaders - where do they come from? Why are they attacking us? What do they want? Is it resources they seek? Territory? Slaves? Human sacrifices to feed whatever unholy god they believe in? Could there be more of them coming as we speak? Could we even now be paying witness to the Book Of Revelation come true? Perhaps, but it is difficult to say at this time.

"What we do know is the following: these alien invaders are Human-like creatures who look like us, but speak a different language, and boast fearsome weapons and blazing war machines far ahead of anything that exists on this Earth. Even the mighty bear of the Soviets and their Warsaw Pact allies are struggling to fight these monsters at this moment in time. But they can be defeated - not easily, but we now know from our brave men on the frontline that they can bleed. And if they can bleed, they can be *killed*.

"To this end, I have implemented our government's emergency response plans. As Commander-in-Chief of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, I have directed that all measures necessary be taken for our common defense. Our first priority will be to contain the threat as best we can to those areas already afflicted. To stop this menace in its tracks before it can continue spreading its senseless violence and mass murder elsewhere. At the same time, we will coordinate with our allies on a joint strategy on how to not only combat these enemies, but also establish early warnings and other preparations so that never again will we be taken by surprise. Our next priority will be to rescue those still trapped in the war-zones - to get help to those who have been injured, to reunite divided families, and to ensure that the dead are properly identified and mourned. Gradually, we will retake and restore order to those stricken areas, and in the process teach these foes a lesson they will never forget.

"I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me in strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American people, I thank our allies and respond in kind by extending a hand to all those who will stand with us in the defense of this planet we share and call home. Always will we remember the character of the onslaught now facing us. No matter how long it may take, no matter the cost in blood, sweat, and tears, the people of America and of every other free nation on this Earth, in their righteous might, *will* win through to absolute victory.

"I believe I interpret the will of Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make very certain that this new breed of enemy shall never endanger us again. I ask that the Congress declare that from this day, Thursday, October 11th, onwards, a state of war shall exist between the United States, and the forces of this as-yet unknown alien power. We cannot make whole all those touched by this unprecedented disaster, but we will fight for justice for those lost, and peace for those who remain standing.

"Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those we have lost, for those who continue to grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us - now, and in the grueling days and months ahead of us.

"Today, we answered one of the most enduring questions ever dared asked: are we alone in the universe? Today, and every day onwards, we shall answer that question with two more enduring questions of our own: an enemy may shatter with ease the steel of our buildings and cities, but can they ever shatter the steel of American resolve? And, with confidence in our armed forces, and with the unbounded faith and determination of our people - will we gain the inevitable triumph? No, *they* cannot, and yes, *we* can.

"God bless you, and God bless the United States Of America."