President Bush is set to address a joint session of Congress and the American people, saying "We are a nation awakened to danger and called to defend freedom."
The White House say Mr. Bush will in his speech answer many questions Americans are asking, including who attacked the United States, why they hate this country, and how this nation will win the war against terrorism.
Excerpts of the speech released in advance emphasize that every U-S resource -- diplomacy, intelligence, law enforcement, financial and military -- will be used to defeat what Mr. Bush will call "the global terror network."
President Bush will call on the U-S military to "be ready," and the American people to be "calm and resolute." He will also say that other goverments must choose whether they stand with the United States or with the terrorists.
Reports say Mr. Bush is also expected to describe efforts the administration will make to stimulate the economy, stabilize the airline industry, and thwart future terrorist attacks.
National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice said Wednesday the president will not use his speech to detail a plan for military retaliation.