A publication of |
 "Fostering Freedom by Bringing Clarity and Acuity to Vital Issues and Events at Home and Around the Globe" |
Perspicacity: [Pers-pi-cass-ity] Clear insight; Acute mental vision. Help us make Perspicacity a Household Word! |
||
|
President George W. Bush Honors Military
Yet victory was far from certain, and came at great cost. Those brave men and women were certain only of the cause they served: the belief that freedom is the gift of God and the right of all mankind. Six years passed from the fighting at Concord Bridge to the victory at Yorktown; six years of struggle and hardship for American patriots. By their courage and perseverance, the colonies became a country. The land of 13 states and fewer than four million people grew and prospered. And today, all who live in tyranny and all who yearn for freedom place their hopes in the United States of America. For more than two centuries, Americans have been called to serve and sacrifice for the ideals of our founding. And the men and women of our military have never failed us. They have left many monuments along the way -- an undivided union, a liberated Europe, the rise of democracy in Asia, and the fall of an evil empire. Millions across the world are free today because of the unselfish courage of American veterans. And today we honor our veterans. And today we honor the current generation of our military, which is answering the call to defend our freedom and to bring freedom to others. The 23,000 men and women of Wright Patt, military and civilian, have been crucial to our victories in Afghanistan and in Iraq. Research done at this base has helped give America the finest Air Force in history. The Predator drone, which is serving us so well overseas, was developed right here. Doctors and specialists from this base cared for wounded soldiers and for wounded prisoners. Many critical medical evacuations were carried out by the skillful pilots and crews of the mighty 445th Wing of Wright Patt. C-141s from this base transported troops and equipment to serve in both Operation Enduring Freedom and in Operation Iraqi Freedom. And B-1 bombers supported from this base made their presence known in Baghdad, striking the dictator's regime until the regime was no more. Our United States military is meeting the threats of a new era. People in every branch of the service and thousands of Guard and reserve members called to active duty have carried out their missions with all the skill and the honor we expect of them. This nation is grateful to the men and women who wear our nation's uniform. And on this 4th of July, we also remember the brave Americans we have lost. We honor each one for their courage and for their sacrifice. We think of the families who miss them so much. And we are thankful that this nation produces such fine men and women who are willing to defend us all. May God rest their souls. Our nation is still at war. The enemies of America plot against us. And many of our fellow citizens are still serving and sacrificing and facing danger in distant places. Many military families are separated. Our people in uniform do not have easy duty, and much depends on their success. Without America's active involvement in the world, the ambitions of tyrants would go unopposed, and millions would live at the mercy of terrorists. With Americans' active involvement in the world, tyrants learn to fear, and terrorists are on the run. By killing innocent Americans, our enemies made their intentions clear to us. And since that September day, we have made our own intentions clear to them. The United States will not stand by and wait for another attack, or trust in the restraint and good intentions of evil men. We are on the offensive against terrorists and all who support them. We will not permit any terrorist group or outlaw regime to threaten us with weapons of mass murder. We will act whenever it is necessary to protect the lives and the liberty of the American people. America's work in the world does not end with the removal of grave threats. The Declaration of Independence holds a promise for all mankind. Because Americans believe that freedom is unalienable right, we value the freedom of every nation. Because we are committed to the God-given worth of every life, we work for human dignity. We protect our friends. And we raised up former enemies to be our friends. We bring food and disaster relief to the nations of the world in times of crisis. In Africa, where I'll go next week, the United States is leading the effort to fight AIDS and save millions of lives with the healing power of medicine. Just as our enemies are coming to know the strong will of America, people across the Earth are seeing the good and generous heart of America. Americans are a generous people because we realize how much we have been given. On the Fourth of July, we can be grateful for the unity of our country in meeting great challenges, for the renewal of patriotism that adversity has brought, and for the valor we have seen in those who defend the United States. In recent events, we have learned the names of some exceptional young men and women who have shown the strength and character of America. At a hospital in Washington, I met Master Gunnery Sergeant Guadalupe Denogean, an immigrant from Mexico who has served in the Marine Corps for 25 years. In March, he was wounded in combat in Basra and sent back to America for treatment. When I asked if he had any requests, the Master Gunnery Sergeant had just two. He wanted a promotion for the Colonel who rescued him. And he wanted to be an American citizen. I was there the day that Guadalupe Denogean took the oath of citizenship. From the hospital where he was recovering, this son of Mexico raised his right hand and pledged to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. He had kept that oath for decades before he took it. I'm proud to call him a fellow America. To be an American, whether by birth or choice, is a high privilege. As citizens of this good nation, we can all be proud of our heritage and confident in our future. The ideals of July 4th, 1776, still speak to all humanity. And the revolution declared that day goes on. On July the 4th, 2003, we still placed our trust in Divine Providence. We still pledge our lives and honor to freedom's defense. And we will always believe that freedom is the hope and the future of every land. May God continue to bless the United States of America.
TOP OF PAGE | CONTACT US | HOME
|
Archives Topical Index Point & Counterpoint Well Worth Readers' Forum Free Email Subscribe to Become a Become a Resource Links
|
