by Mark Silva
"The young men we remember today did not live to be called veterans,'' President Bush said today at a memorial for "fallen soldiers'' at American Legion Post 121 in Waco, Texas.
"They died in a distant land fighting terror, spreading freedom, and protecting their fellow citizens from danger,'' Bush said. "The valor and selfless devotion of these men fills their families with immeasurable pride.
"Yet this pride cannot fill the hole in their loved ones' aching hearts, or relieve the burden of grief that will remain for a lifetime,'' he said. " In their sorrow, these families need to know, and families all across the nation of the fallen need to know that your loved ones served a cause that is good, and just, and noble.
"And as their Commander-in-Chief,'' the president said, with an oft-repeated promise about his commitment to the war, "I make you this promise: their sacrifice will not be in vain.
"I know all the veterans gathered here and across the nation feel a special bond with our fallen soldiers and their families,'' Bush said. "Many experienced the heartbreak and tragic losses of war. Our veterans know that -- what it's like to lose a brother on the field of battle. And many of them recall the determination they felt when a beloved comrade fell, the determination to pick up the mantle, to carry on the fight, and to complete the mission.
"That's precisely what today's generation of soldiers is doing in the war on terror. Since the attacks of September the 11th, 2001, more than 2 million Americans have stepped forward to put on our nation's uniform -- and during that same period, 1.5 million American troops have made the courageous decision to re-enlist and to stay in the fight.
"These men and women saw the future the terrorists intend for our country, and they said with clear voices: "Not on my watch." America is blessed to have such brave defenders. They are tomorrow's veterans -- and they're bringing pride to our country.
"Their service is noble, and it is necessary. The enemies who attacked us six years ago want to strike our country again -- and next time, they hope to kill Americans on a scale that will make 9/11 pale by comparison. By fighting this enemy in foreign lands, the men and women of our Armed Forces are helping to ensure we do not have to face them in our own land.
"And by spreading the hope of liberty to nations that have not known it, our troops are helping to defeat the ideology of the terrorists -- and secure a future of peace for generations to come.
"As veterans, you have confidence in freedom's cause -- because you have seen with your own eyes the power of liberty to transform nations and secure the peace. The men and women gathered before me took an oath to defend America -- and you upheld that oath with honor, and decency, and valor. You humbled tyrants, liberated continents, and freed millions from unspeakable oppression. And because of your service and sacrifice, the world has been transformed in once unimaginable ways.
"Today, across Europe and Asia, former adversaries in war have become allies in the cause of peace. And in towns and villages on both continents, there are still men and women who talk of the day when the Americans arrived to free them from tyranny.
"I thank our nation's veterans for the fine example that you have set for our country. I thank you for your courage and your patriotism and your devotion to duty. I thank you for standing up for the men and women of our Armed Forces -- and I thank you for all you do to support the families they leave behind during this time of war.
"May God bless and keep all who have made the ultimate sacrifice,'' the president said, "May God bless and keep our brave and honored veterans. May God bless those who are in harm's way. And may God continue to bless our nation. Thank you.''
• 
• 
• 
• 
Comments
President Bush paid the tribute to veterans and the fallen that all of us would wish to
second, with our gratitude for their sacrifice so that we can live free and safe.
God bless the veterans and God bless those who serve today in the Military and in our nation's Public Safety departments.
Thank you President Bush for speaking on behalf of us all.
Posted by: Bill C. | November 11, 2007 9:05 PM
"...their sacrifice will not be in vain."
Leave it to the duplicitious Chickenhawk-in-Chief to desecrate a solemn holiday.
Posted by: Doug Zook | November 11, 2007 10:22 PM
Thank you, Mark, for providing Bush's statements without commentary and spin. Regardless of political persuasion, hopefully honoring those who fought for this country in any war can be honored and remembered as the heroes they truly are.
Posted by: John D | November 11, 2007 10:40 PM
Thank you Mr President and God bless those still serving.
Posted by: US Army SGM (ret) Emerson Bolen | November 11, 2007 11:12 PM
"And as their Commander-in-Chief,'' the president said, with an oft-repeated promise about his commitment to the war, "I make you this promise: their sacrifice will not be in vain."
What would this draftdodging, AWOL National Guard dropout, drunk know about "sacrifice"?
http://flickr.com/photos/8163848@N02/500030364/
Posted by: John E | November 12, 2007 1:13 AM
I too want to thank Bush. Thanks for cutting veterans' benefits. Thanks for deploying them for 3rd and 4th tours in Iraq. Thanks for throwing our tax money at no-bid contractors instead of spending it on our troops. Thanks for making so many widows and permanently damaged veterans. Thanks George.
Posted by: Paul Winkelmann | November 12, 2007 3:20 AM
'Sacrifice will not be in vain'
I agree. The thousands of dead soldiers and marines will forever stain the Republic party and its followers. They, and the 10s of thousands of Iraqis died for greed, lies and oil. We'll never forget, nor forgive.
Posted by: weinerdog43 | November 12, 2007 7:50 AM
Class speaks volumes. The president has it. And the lack-of-class speaks even louder as exemplified by some of the foregoing negative comments on a day when the only subject should be the recognition of the sacrifice paid by the men and women who have served this country.
Posted by: Shandra | November 12, 2007 8:21 AM
What on earth does Bush know about sacrifice? any sacrifice?
The man's entire life is one of selfish indulgence, unearned privileges, and avoiding responsibilities.
It is remarkable that anyone could find any comfort in the blubbering words of this dangerous mediocrity.
Posted by: John Chuckman, Toronto, Canada | November 12, 2007 9:03 AM
John D,
I certainly agree with you on this one. All of our past and present soldiers should be remembered for their sacrafices.
Whether you agree or disagree with the current war, the soldiers have volunteerd, and they go where they're told, and serve to the best of their abilities.
However, Bush should have left it at that. Yesterday was not the time to bring out the old "fight them there or fight them here" rhetoric.
Veterans day is a day to remember those who have bravely served in our armed forces, not for political speech.
Posted by: Steve34 | November 12, 2007 9:25 AM
Needless to say, some on the Loony Left cannot refrain themselves from being idiots. While not shocked that John E would stoop to lowliness, I would think that Doug Zook would have had more class. Sadly, that was not to be.
Posted by: John D | November 12, 2007 9:39 AM
It's ironic that Bush and Cheney who dodged military service, are now paying tribute to those who genuinely deserve it--as long as they don't require benefits or are too vocal.
As far as their service not being in vain, ask the families of the nearly 60,000 soldiers who died in Vietnam how they feel. Maybe thirty years out, Iraq, like Vietnam is now, will be able to produce cheap goods for sale in American markets. Will that justify their service?
Posted by: Gibster | November 12, 2007 10:06 AM
However, Bush should have left it at that. Yesterday was not the time to bring out the old "fight them there or fight them here" rhetoric.
Veterans day is a day to remember those who have bravely served in our armed forces, not for political speech.
Posted by: Steve34 | November 12, 2007 9:25 AM
I agree with Steve34 on this matter. After all the Bush administration will be remembered as one of the most corrupt ever. He and Cheney are chickenhawk dirt-bags maggots that have done such great damage to America, The sad thing is knowing there are people out there who are still blindly following them without question. I take great offence to Bush's rhetoric. Then again I only have one folded flag in my house.
All of us who have walked these paths know that duty, honor and country are not just words. For us traditions are important. Traditions are forever. Traditions are the reason we are brothers and sisters in arms. Traditions that cost lives are not taken lightly. We know how we feel when we see a flag flying. We also know what a folded flag displayed in a home really means.
I do not believe that putting bumper stickers on our vehicles that proclaim our support for the troops is the answer. Speak out. Act out. Do something. Don’t just protest the injustices to your friends. Call your senators and representatives. They’re in the phone book. Don’t wait for them to come to your door. Go to theirs. Don’t wait for the next campaign for re-election of the same old garbage and fears to come to your mailbox. Send them a letter demanding the things that you are paying for with your taxes. High-quality health care and education for your children are a right. Privacy is a right. Free speech without fear is a right. Freedom from irrational fears is a right. Don’t accept the same old lame excuses. Don’t be placated. Make them afraid for a change. If they haven’t given you what you have a right to expect, vote them out.
I know that I was prohibited from publicly commenting on the elected officials while I was in the military. I believed that I was defending the rights of all other Americans to speak freely. I believed that I would, one day, be a civilian again. I believed that when that day came I would be able to speak freely. I believed that I had earned that right. Now I am speaking. I wonder if anyone is listening.
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | November 12, 2007 12:57 PM
Needless to say, some on the Loony Left cannot refrain themselves from being idiots. While not shocked that John E would stoop to lowliness, I would think that Doug Zook would have had more class. Sadly, that was not to be.
Posted by: John D | November 12, 2007 9:39 AM
Look in the mirror jerk off. All you do is whine and cry like the bed-wetting GOP sissy you are.
Posted by: ashamed of bush & cheney | November 12, 2007 2:21 PM
Wow, Mark and the gang, would I be able to post a comment like this?
Look in the mirror jerk off. All you do is whine and cry like the bed-wetting GOP sissy you are.
Posted by: ashamed of bush & cheney | November 12, 2007 2:21 PM
Right back at ya, Mr. Ashamed.
Posted by: John D | November 12, 2007 4:42 PM
Right back at ya, Mr. Ashamed.
Posted by: John D | November 12, 2007 4:42 PM
I know you are, but what am I? I know you are, but what am I? Blah, blah, blah...LOONY LEFT blah, blah, blah. WORST MANKIND HAS TO OFFER...blah, blah, blah!
"Needless to say, some on the Loony Left cannot refrain themselves from being idiots."
Posted by: John D | November 12, 2007 9:39 AM
Get the drift yet John?
Bush/Cheney
Impeach & imprison!
Posted by: ashamed of bush & cheney | November 12, 2007 5:41 PM
John E. says:
"What would this draftdodging, AWOL National Guard dropout, drunk know about "sacrifice"?"
Well, first off, Bush didn't "dodge" the draft (unlike another former president), he joined the National Guard.
Secondly, Bush probably knows a HECK of a lot more about sacrifice than you do or ever will.
Posted by: US Army SGM (ret) Emerson Bolen | November 12, 2007 6:48 PM
What a tremendous load of...speech-making...from President "Daddy got ME into the Air National Guard" Bush. It'd be nice if he and "Other Priorities" Cheney could this day off from catapulting the propaganda and leave the speeches to people better qualified to talk about courage and sacrifice.
Posted by: Tom O | November 12, 2007 6:53 PM
Private Bolus, of course, someone has to finish grade school to understand John E's argument. Do try to keep up. Thanks.
Posted by: weinerdog43 | November 12, 2007 9:04 PM
Oh Mr. Ashamed, or is that John E? Sorry if the truth hurts you that you and your moronic buddies are blithering idiots. I just call em as I em.
Posted by: John D | November 12, 2007 9:08 PM