Title: President tries to reassure nation shaken by Fort Hood shootings

" But like to speak with the -- for a few minutes today about the tragedy that took place Portland. This past first -- clear Texas afternoon. An army psychiatrist walked into the soldier readiness processing center and began shooting his fellow soldiers. It's an act of violence the would have been heartbreaking has occurred any place in America. Are crime that would -- five us and its victims been Americans of any background. It's all the more heartbreaking. And all the more despicable. Because the place where -- and the patriots who works victims. The SRP is where our men and women in uniform go before getting to port. It's where they get their teeth checked in their medical records updated to make sure everything is in order before getting shipped out. It was in this place. On base were soldiers ought to feel more safe. Where those brave Americans were preparing to risk their lives in defense of our nation. Lost their lives crime against our nation. Soldiers stationed in Iraq Afghanistan and around the world called and -- loved ones that Portland. All expressing the same stunned reaction. I'm supposed to be the one in harm's way. You. Thursday shooting was one of the most devastating ever committed on American military base. And it even as we solve the worst of human nature on full display. We also saw the best of America. We saw soldiers and civilians alike rushing to the -- of fallen comrades turn off bullet riddled close to treat the injured. Using blouses tourniquet it's taking down the shooter even as -- wounds themselves. We saw soldiers bringing to bear on our own sort the skills they've been trained to use broad. Skills that have been honed through years of determined effort for one purpose and one purpose only. To protect and defend the United States of America. We saw the valor selflessness. And unity of purpose that makes our servicemen and women the finest fighting force on earth. That mate the united states military the best the world has ever known. That make all of us proud to be Americans. On Friday. I'm that would FBI director Mueller Defense Secretary gates and representatives of the -- and agencies to discuss their ongoing investigation into what led to this terrible -- And I'll continue to be in close contact with them as new information comes. We can't fully know what leads a man to do such as part. What we do know is that our thoughts are with every single one of the men and women who were injured -- Our thoughts are with the all the families who lost a lot in this national tragedy. Our thoughts are with all the American swear or have worn. The proud uniform of the United States of America. -- soldiers sailors airmen Marines coast Guardsmen. In the military families who love and support them. In tribute to those who -- quote I've ordered flags flying over the White House and other federal buildings to be lowered to half staff. From now until veterans day next Wednesday. Veterans day is our chance to honor those Americans who served on the battlefields from Lexington -- him. Normandy terminal. In job to case -- Ramadi to cop car. There Americans of every race faith and station. -- Christians and Muslims Jews and Hindus and nonbelievers. There are descendants of immigrants and immigrants themselves. To reflect the diversity that makes this America. What they share because it patriotism like -- shares our commitment to country that has been tested and proved -- But he shares the same unflinching courage unblinking compassion. And -- common camaraderie. Of soldiers and civilians Fort Hood show American shall the world. These of the men and women we honor today. These men and women we honor our veterans. And these are men and women we shall honor every day in times of war and times of peace so long as our nation --"