Message to Spain.
My heart goes out to you, Spain, and especially to all of the victims and their families. I wish I could find words to console you.
When I was growing up here in America, we all learned about how Spain discovered America in 1492. We learned how it was Spain that established the USA’s oldest city, St Augustine, Florida. Our countries are friends and allies. We stood together against the Soviet Union in the Cold War.
I remember that Spain stood with my country after 9/11. I recall that Spain has stood with the free world against terrorism—against the ETA and in Iraq, where Spain’s courageous leadership and valiant military has proven invaluable. The Iraqi people are entering democracy with no small debt of gratitude to Spain. Spain has taken charge of counterterrorism efforts at the United Nations.
Now the terrorists have attacked Spain. Do not forget that these fanatics really believe that Spain belongs to them, and that Christians should again be enslaved to Muslims. Now we know they are crazy enough to act on this delusion.
Never forget that this is a Global War with the terrorists. On the one side is the free world where stand Christians, other non-Muslims, and moderate Muslims. On the other side stand the terrorists. Every day all of us, even the moderate Muslims, suffer attacks all over the globe, but rarely do the attacks reach the level of the depraved, immoral savagery the terrorists just visited upon the innocent men, women, and children of Madrid.
As an American, I want you to know you will always have my country on your side. The Madrid attacks have received a very high level of attention from our media. When we see what they have done to you, we are reminded of what they did to us. I know my country. We will always stand against the bullies and tyrants who seek to deceive and conquer the world. When Spain suffers, America suffers. Your enemy is our enemy. We stand shoulder to shoulder.
Even as we grieve let us resolve to not be defeated, but to protect our freedom even as we would our very lives.
Spaniards, resolve to not just fight the terrorists, but to be victorious over them. So long as you retain your determination you cannot be defeated, for they wage an aggressive and uncivilized war against you, and you are a noble and glorious people.
Their cowardice, fanaticism, and pitiless barbaric attacks cannot match your bravery and honor. Let us never forget any single one of the lives they took. Let us remember and honor all their names. God bless you all.