We've endured too many tragedies. And each time I learn the news I react not as a President, but as anybody else would - as a parent.

The amount of interaction, the amount of understanding that exists in your generation among people of different races and different creeds and different colors is unprecedented. And by the way, that goes - that cuts across party lines, that cuts across partisan lines.

What I want all of you to know is that we are going to bring those who killed our fellow Americans to justice.

We will remember that we are not as divided as our politics suggests; that we are one people; we are one nation and together, we will begin the next great chapter in the American story with three words that will ring from coast to coast, from sea to shining sea:- Yes. We. Can.

One of the great things about being commander in chief is getting to know our men and women in uniform in a very intimate way, whether it's visiting Walter Reed and seeing our wounded soldiers, or being on a base and talking to families, or interacting with them on missions. They're the best of the best: always thinking about the mission, not thinking about credit, not thinking about who's up front.

Instead of giving in to cynicism and division, let's move forward with the confidence and optimism and unity that define us as a people.

I'm a big believer in tolerance. I think that religion at it's best comes with a big dose of doubt.