A Nostalgic President Bush Encourages the Troops at Thanksgiving
"We are blessed to have defenders of such character and courage and I will always be thankful for the honor of having served as the Commander-in-Chief. We hold in our thoughts and prayers the brave men and women who have given their lives, and the families who mourn for them. We ask the Almighty to watch over everyone who puts on the uniform, and has volunteered to serve this great land."
(Fort Campbell, KY)—The following are excerpts from President Bush's speech to troops at Fort Campbell this week:
THE PRESIDENT: The day before my first Thanksgiving as your President, guess where I was.
AUDIENCE MEMBER: Right here!
THE PRESIDENT: Right here at Fort Campbell. (Applause.) That Thanksgiving came shortly after the worst terrorist attack in our nation's history. The war in Afghanistan had just begun...That November day, I said, "Once again, you have a Rendezvous With Destiny." And today, there is no doubt that you have upheld this motto—you have done your duty, and you have defended the United States of America. (Applause.) (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
The work you have done and are going to do is historical work. You see, the consequences of success in Iraq will resonate far beyond that country's borders, and will resonate when your children and grandchildren begin to study the history of peace. Success will frustrate Iran's ambitions to dominate the region. Success will show millions across the Middle East that a future of liberty and democracy is possible. Success will deny al Qaida a safe haven for launching new attacks. Success in Iraq will mean that the American people are more secure at home.
In Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond, our men and women in uniform have done everything we have asked of them and more. You've earned the thanks of every American.
You know, this is going to be my last Thanksgiving as President. Sometimes I am asked what I will miss most about the job. Well, above all, I'm going to miss spending time with men and women who have volunteered to serve the United States of America, the fine men and women who wear the uniform. We are blessed to have defenders of such character and courage. I'm grateful to the families who serve by your side. And I will always be thankful for the honor of having served as the Commander-in-Chief. (Applause.)
So Laura and I wish you and your families a safe and happy Thanksgiving. We join you in praying for our troops spending the holiday far from home. We pray for those who've been wounded in battle, and for all who love and care for them. We hold in our thoughts and prayers the brave men and women who have given their lives, and the families who mourn for them. We ask the Almighty to watch over everyone who puts on the uniform, and has volunteered to serve this great land.
It's an honor to be with you today. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless the United States of America. (Applause.)
