At least for today, April 9, 2003 � a date second in global significance this new century only to September 11, 2001 � good has toppled evil. For Saddam�s regime, war has indeed proved to be the correct answer. The success of allied planning, power, precision, passion, perseverance, and . . . dare I say . . . prayer, should not be understated.

Tens of millions of Iraqi citizens today can openly weep for joy and express their yearnings for hope, freedom, and security, thanks in no small part to the scores of U.S. and U.K. forces who have given their lives in battle. May the names of each of those who have offered us the ultimate sacrifice be engraved forever in the hearts and minds of generations to come.

Certainly the days, weeks, months, years, and centuries ahead will be filled with continuing conflicts across the face of our fragile planet. But as we watch today�s new birth of Babylon, may we pray that the lessons of the past three weeks not be lost on all those who watchfully wait - for unknown days or millennia to come - for the rising of a new Jerusalem.