Obama salutes 'fallen heroes' of Benghazi in weekly address

These four Americans represented the very best of our country.

Unsurprisingly, President Obama's weekly address this morning focused on the four American diplomats who were killed in the attacks in Benghazi. It was a stark, simple, moving address.

They died as they lived their lives ' defending their fellow Americans, and advancing the values that all of us hold dear.

After relating biographical details about each of the men who died, the president sent a clear message:

This tragic attack takes place at a time of turmoil and protest in many different countries. I have made it clear that the United States has a profound respect for people of all faiths. We stand for religious freedom. And we reject the denigration of any religion ' including Islam.

Yet there is never any justification for violence. There is no religion that condones the targeting of innocent men and women. There is no excuse for attacks on our Embassies and Consulates. And so long as I am Commander-in-Chief, the United States will never tolerate efforts to harm our fellow Americans.

The conclusion was solemn and resolute:

I know the images on our televisions are disturbing. But let us never forget that for every angry mob, there are millions who yearn for the freedom, and dignity, and hope that our flag represents. That is the cause of America ' the ideals that took root in our founding; the opportunity that drew so many to our shores; and the awesome progress that we have promoted all across the globe.

We are Americans. We know that our spirit cannot be broken, and the foundation of our leadership cannot be shaken. That is the legacy of the four Americans we lost ' men who will live on in the hearts of those they loved, and the strength of the country they served.

So with their memory to guide us, we will carry forward the work of making our country stronger, our citizens safer, and the world a better and more hopeful place. Thank you.

To read the transcript in full, check below the fold or visit the White House website.