24 years ago today, on September 11, 2001, one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in human history took place in the United States.

The extremist group Al-Qaeda hijacked four passenger planes and carried out the attacks. Two of them crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, the third into the Pentagon in Arlington, and the fourth crashed into a field in Pennsylvania.

According to US authorities, the attacks killed about 3,000 people and injured thousands more. The collapse of the twin towers caused massive destruction and the spread of dust and toxic substances.

Responsibility for the attacks was claimed by Al-Qaeda, whose leader, Osama bin Laden, was wanted internationally. Following the events, the United States launched the war in Afghanistan, aiming to destroy the terrorist network and overthrow the Taliban regime that sponsored them.

"This is an attack not only on America, but on the entire free world," US President George W. Bush declared at the time.

Radar Armenia presents Bush's message, with some cuts.

"Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, and our freedoms were attacked in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist attacks.

Terrorist attacks may shake the foundations of our most significant buildings, but they cannot undermine the foundation of America. These attacks have shattered steel, but they cannot pierce the steel of American resolve.

America was targeted because we are the brightest beacon of freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one can dim that light.

Today, our nation saw evil, the worst manifestation of human nature. And we responded with America's best, through the courage of our first responders, the willingness to help strangers and neighbors who came forward to donate blood and provide assistance in any way they could.

Immediately after the first attack, I activated our government's emergency response programs. Our military is strong and ready. Our emergency response teams are working in New York and Washington to support local rescue efforts.

Our priority is to provide assistance to the injured and to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and abroad from further attacks.

Our government continues to function without interruption. Federal agencies in Washington, D.C., that were evacuated today are reopening tonight for essential personnel and will be open to all tomorrow. Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will continue to function.

The search for the perpetrators of these brutal acts has begun. I have directed our intelligence and law enforcement agencies to utilize every available resource to identify and bring to justice those responsible. We will not discriminate between the terrorists who carried out these acts and those who harbor them.

America, our friends, and our allies join with all who desire peace and security in the world, and we stand together to win the war on terror. Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all who mourn, for the children whose world has been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security is threatened. And I pray that they will find comfort in the greater strength expressed for centuries in Psalm 23: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me."

Today, all Americans, regardless of their walk of life, are united in our determination for justice and peace. America has faced enemies before, and it will face them again. No one will ever forget this day. But we will continue to move forward to defend freedom and all that is just and good in our world."