The President's Speech

When the news hit, there was an outpouring of sorrow and heartfelt cries filled the streets. With sullen faces, the news anchors on every channel gave their condolences, some holding back tears, others gasping in sobs. No news story had tugged at the heart of the American people since 9/11.

At first, it had just been a rumor. Someone, an insider, had let the news slip out. Panic gripped the nation and reporters everywhere scrambled to see if there was validity in the claim.

Within 24 hours, the news was confirmed.

People gathered outside the White House, holding a candle light vigil. Citizens flooded the streets of New York City, Los Angeles, and all of the major cities. Small town folks gathered in their churches and prayed.

In some places, violence erupted. Police tried to stem the tied, but soon gave in to the same feelings that had gripped the people. It was a tragedy that made their fortitude collapse.

When the troops overseas heard the news, at first, they didn't believe it. It seemed impossible. They spoke to their Commanding Officers and by the desolate gazes they gave their men, one of their worst fears was confirmed.

Many succumbed to depression. Some simply dropped theirs guns, sat down in the dirt and began to weep. Some of the women cried while hugging their comrades to their sides. Generals cried on the shoulders of their aides with pain heavy in their hearts.

Most of the soldiers, battle hardened troops, felt lost. Order sunk into chaos. While many were depressed by the news, others felt only rage well up.

There was much violence. Blinded by their pain and anger, troops broke down and became savage. They hunted down insurgents, trying to place the blame on someone. Anyone.

And then, later that evening, all the channels began to broadcast a live stream from the White House. The President was about to speak. He would steer the nation in the right direction.

The internet was nearly brought down by the bandwidth being used. Satellites beamed the message through out the world. And all over America, people sat in their living rooms, computer rooms and offices. Some stood in the middle of stores. Some stood on the streets, watching. Waiting.

The President would lend his strength and his resolve to the people. His words were always well planned and well spoken. He would help alleviate the suffering.

And as everyone waited to hear his words, time seemed to stop.

As the cameras came on, his face was streaked with dried tears. His voice was shaky. He held his hands to his chest as though the pain of it was tearing him apart.

And then, he spoke.

"My fellow Americans," he began. "I have some very sad news for all of you, and I think sad news for many people the through out the world. 


"This will be a difficult day, a difficult time for the United States. For today, we are all united in a great sorrow.

"I'd planned to speak to you tonight to report on the state of the Union, but the events of earlier today have led me to change those plans. Today is a day for mourning. The First Lady and I are pained in our hearts by this tragedy.


"We will all have to bear the full burden of this loss. While there is a great sense of hopelessness right now, we as a nation have a choice. We can live our lives in regret off this loss, close our hearts and minds and give in to the suffering.


"Or, we can stand strong. We can move forward. And I believe the choice is clear.


"I know that many of you watching this today are in need of a sense of closure. You want to know that the news is, in fact, true. You want to hear the word from my own lips."


The President paused a moment, as though contemplating what he would say next. Thoughts of the violence and the sorrow coursing through out the nation weighed heavily on his mind. His speech had been well written, but it wasn't enough. Now, the people of America needed to hear what came from his heart.

"I've always had great faith in and respect for the American people. The violence of today does nothing to diminish it. We were all in shock, and to a point, we all lost our minds a little bit. I can't blame you for that, but it must stop now.

"I don't hide the news. I don't keep secrets and cover things up. It was a promise that I made to you a long time ago. I am a President who does things out front and in the open. That's the way of freedom and I wouldn't change it for a moment.

"Nothing ends here; our hopes and our dreams still continue. But they will continue without a long time friend of the American people."


He paused again. Tears came to his eyes and ran down his cheeks. He looked away from the camera briefly, face etched in agony. It lasted only for a moment.


When he looked back, his face showed only resolve.


"We will never forget this old friend. A friend who was there for us in the morning. A friend that offered joy during times of sorrow and gave us strength when we felt weak. 


"We will have to face the future with out our friend. And though it will be difficult, we will survive. We will thrive.


"Our old friend held us up and stood by our side through thick and thin. And now, we will go forward...," his voice cracked. "Alone."


His features were tightened. His eyes, though saddened, showed strength. And he spoke the final words of his speech with resolve in his tone.


"There is...no more bacon."