by Mark Silva
President Bush has summoned a call to thanksgiving for American soldiers serving abroad with his weekly radio address.
"We give thanks for a new generation of patriots who are defending our liberty around the world,'' the president said today. "We are grateful to all our men and women in uniform who are spending this holiday weekend far from their families.. And we especially remember those who have given their lives in our nation's defense.''
But the story which Bush draws from the battlefield for his thanksgiving address does not come from Fallujah or from Anbar province or from Baghdad. It comes from Afghanistan -- the one front which Americans still largely identify as directly relevant to that war on terror which Bush has committed the United States to waging for six years now.
It's the story of Lt. Michael Murphy, a Navy SEAL who was conducting surveillance on a mountain ridge in Afghanistan in 2005 when his four-man team was surrounded by a far greater force. As his men counterattacked, he sought a clearing where he could call in reinforcements and was killed. He was awarded the Medal of Honor.
"We're also blessed by the many other Americans who serve a cause larger than themselves,'' said Bush, citing the police, firefighters and emergency responders and "faith-based'' community volunteers who serve the country -- but bypassing, on this day, any direct mention of the fight in Iraq which most Americans today wish the U.S. were not fighting.
For more, see the radio address here:
This is the text of the president's radio address:
"Good morning. This week our nation celebrated Thanksgiving. American families and friends gathered together to express gratitude for all that we have been given. We give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy. We give thanks for the loved ones who enrich our lives. And we give thanks for the many gifts that come from this prosperous land. Thanksgiving is a time when we acknowledge that all of these things, and life itself, come not from the hand of man, but from Almighty God.
"Earlier this week, I visited Berkeley Plantation in Virginia. The story of this historic setting goes back nearly four centuries to another day of thanks. In 1619, a band of 38 settlers departed Bristol, England for Berkeley. At the end of their long voyage, the men reviewed their orders from home. The orders said, quote, "The day of our ship's arrival ... shall be yearly and perpetually kept holy as a day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God." In response, the men fell to their knees in prayer. And with this humble act of faith, the settlers celebrated their first Thanksgiving in the New World.
"Berkeley's settlers remind us that giving thanks has been an American tradition from the beginning. At this time of year, we also remember the Pilgrims at Plymouth, who gave thanks after their first harvest in New England. We remember George Washington, who led his men in thanksgiving during the American Revolution. We remember Abraham Lincoln, who revived the Thanksgiving tradition in the midst of a terrible civil war.
"Throughout our history, Americans have always taken time to give thanks for all those whose sacrifices protect and strengthen our nation. We continue that tradition today -- and we give thanks for a new generation of patriots who are defending our liberty around the world. We are grateful to all our men and women in uniform who are spending this holiday weekend far from their families. We keep them in our thoughts and prayers. And we especially remember those who have given their lives in our nation's defense.
"One of these brave Americans was Lieutenant Michael Murphy. In June 2005, this officer gave his life in defense of his fellow Navy SEALs. Michael was conducting surveillance on a mountain ridge in Afghanistan, when his four-man SEAL team was surrounded by a much larger enemy force. Their only escape was down the side of the mountain. The SEALs launched a valiant counterattack while cascading from cliff to cliff. But as the enemy closed in, Michael recognized that the survival of his men depended on calling back to base for reinforcements.
"With complete disregard for his own life, Michael Murphy moved into a clearing where he could get a signal. As he made the call, Michael fell under heavy fire. Though severely wounded, he said "thank you" before signing off, and returned to the fight. His heroism cost him his life -- and earned him our nation's highest decoration for valor, the Medal of Honor. This weekend, we give thanks for the blessings of young Americans like Lieutenant Michael Murphy, who risk their own lives to keep us safe.
"We're also blessed by the many other Americans who serve a cause larger than themselves. Each day our Nation's police and firefighters and emergency responders and faith-based and community volunteers dedicate their time to serving others. While we were enjoying our Thanksgiving turkeys, tens of thousands of these men and women were on the job -- keeping their fellow citizens safe and bringing hope and compassion to our brothers and sisters in need. And their sacrifice reminds us that the true strength of our nation is the goodness and decency of our people.
"Since America's first Thanksgiving, we have changed in many ways. Our population has grown. Our people have prospered. And we have become a great beacon of hope and freedom for millions around the world. Despite these changes, the source of all our blessings remains the same. We are grateful to the author of life who blessed our nation's first days, who strengthened America in times of trial and war, and who watches over us today.
"Thank you for listening.''
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Comments
We are here to stop the Iraqi war
http://www.txtapic.com/next_step_in_iraq/
Join the protest
David
Posted by: david | November 24, 2007 10:21 AM
Quite frankly Bush should be ashamed to hold this story up for some rhetorical drum banging. Afghanistan is just one more thing showing his incompetence. Six years and the taliban still thrive. Six years and no Bin Laden. His bumbling has done more harm than good. But the 24% chosen ones still back him....
What sheep.
Posted by: bill r. | November 24, 2007 10:27 AM
"...author of life...."
Huh?
I thought the magazine was defunct?
Posted by: Doug Zook | November 24, 2007 10:48 AM
No Mark. All sane Americans wish we didn't have to fight any wars. We also wish police and firefighters were unneeded. Too bad wishing doesn't make it so.
Posted by: whatnow | November 24, 2007 2:01 PM
We give thanks for a new generation of patriots who are defending our liberty around the world,'' the president said today. "We are grateful to all our men and women in uniform who are spending this holiday weekend far from their families.. And we especially remember those who have given their lives in our nation's defense.''
This coming from one of the many tough-talking, draftdodging Republicans (Bush) who ran from their duty to our country when their name was called on (Vietnam) to fight for it but today find great pleasure in starting uncalled for, pre-emptive wars and letting other peoples family members and friends fight in and die for them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyFdZqWDn3c
Posted by: John E | November 24, 2007 2:04 PM
Republican Prez 24% forgot to tell the troops his personal story of "hardwork and success".
GEORGE W BUSH's "tale of U.S. valor" proves that even a cocaine-addled dry-drunk, draft-dodging sociopath can grow up to be President--as long as they have the right connections.
Posted by: Smirky on a Flightdeck | November 24, 2007 2:15 PM
Looking for a different take on how we should view the soldiers serving in Iraq? Try:
http://goupstate.us/index.php/lanefiller/2007/11/12/like_being_a_war_critic_thank_a_soldier
Posted by: lane filler | November 24, 2007 4:26 PM
Courage under fire is something the president know nothing about. I seem to remember his minions using Pat Tillman as a propaganda ploy. The man has no shame.
God bless the family of Lt. Michael Murphy on the loss of their brave son.
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | November 24, 2007 6:37 PM
Bush is a chickenhawk who sends good men and women off to fight while he hides. The man is a draft dodging, coke head loser.
Posted by: Lt Dan | November 24, 2007 10:53 PM
I know you worthless,spineless lefties won't like this, but Bush [41] had an Army of 600,000 strong during Desert Storm, but later, president [b.j.] clinton decided to cut the military by more than 50%!
So now...when President Bush [43] gives thanks to our [once] vast Army,we can only give thanks to our 160,000 warriors fighting for our freedom.
The word Valor within the democRATic party died with J.F.K.
Paulo
Posted by: Paulo | November 25, 2007 2:08 AM
It really makes me sick to see W degrade our founders and framers by acting like he's one of them. It's just adding insult to injury. What arrogance some folks buy into.
Posted by: Giraffe | November 25, 2007 5:32 AM
There are major flaws in the way we are fighting in Afghanistan. If we keep going on this course with Afghanistan, we will lose there too. . .
The key is not fighting. Defense is necessary but the key is still #1: economics, #2: econonics, #3: economics.
How many people would really join the Taliban or Al Qaeda if they have economic propesrity? Very few. . .since it doesn't benefit them to join the Taliban or Al Qaeda.
Taliban and Al Qaeda will only grow stronger and bigger in that region if we don't solve the root cause of why people join them in the first place. There are many reasons but I suspect the main reason is still economics.
We can add more soldiers, more bombs, more planes, more bases, and the end result will still be the same. Taliban will still be there tomorrow.
Posted by: Lou | November 25, 2007 9:33 AM
What rubbish.
These American special forces guys are half robots with all their body armor, radio and computer gear, and the ability to call in supersonic fighters with more high-tech weapons.
In a fair fight, the guy would have been onliterated by the Taleban.
No matter what your views of the Taleban, they are the ones who demonstrate extraordinary heroism against an enemy with every weapon and advantage known to science.
Posted by: John Chuckman, Toronto, Canada | November 25, 2007 10:06 AM
So now...when President Bush [43] gives thanks to our [once] vast Army,we can only give thanks to our 160,000 warriors fighting for our freedom.
The word Valor within the democRATic party died with J.F.K.
Paulo
Posted by: Paulo | November 25, 2007 2:08 AM
You have no idea what you are talking about. The Powell Doctrine. Ever heard of it. Better yet did that jerk off in the white house even consider it. The answer is no.
The "Powell doctrine" holds that the US should go to war only as a last resort and then only with overwhelming force. In his article "US Forces: Challenges Ahead" in Foreign Affairs in 1992-93, Mr Powell posed a number of questions to be asked by US policymakers before launching a war. Is a vital national security interest threatened? Do we have a clear, attainable objective? Have the risks and costs been fully and frankly analysed? Have all other non-violent policy means been exhausted? Is there a plausible exit strategy? Have the consequences been fully considered? Is the action supported by the American people? Does the US have broad international support? The Powell doctrine developed similar principles laid out by Caspar Weinberger, defence secretary during the Reagan administration. Mr Powell, like Mr Weinberger and much of the US military, was determined to avoid large-scale debacles such as the Vietnam war and minor disasters such as the Somalia intervention in 1992-93.
On to John Chuckman.
These American special forces guys are half robots with all their body armor, radio and computer gear, and the ability to call in supersonic fighters with more high-tech weapons.
In a fair fight, the guy would have been onliterated by the Taleban.
Posted by: John Chuckman, Toronto, Canada | November 25, 2007 10:06 AM
Your comment are tired and VERY UNINFORMED. The Taleban are cowardly dogs. Their ideology is repressive and morally bankrupt. The U.S. military exhibit more valor on any given day than those miscreant, woman beating dogs could dream of in a lifetime.
I suppose according to your logic Stalin was a nice guy.
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | November 25, 2007 4:45 PM
Wow, what the heck? Logic Prisoner, you are the man! I couldn't agree more with your response back to Chuckman.
Yes, Chuckman, the valor, humanity, braveness, guts, decency, courage of any member of the U.S. Special Forces or any U.S. military person far exceeds that of any Taliban crap.
Posted by: John D | November 26, 2007 2:47 AM