President Bush Meets with American Legion, Other Military Groups
American Legion National Commander Marty Conatser met with President Bush and Vice President Cheney today at the White House. The president addressed about 850 members of veterans and miitary support organizations. The following is the text of his speech.
THE PRESIDENT: Thanks for coming. Laura and I are honored to welcome you here to the South Lawn. Welcome to the people’s house. (Applause.) First, I’d like to thank Katy Benko for singing the national anthem. It’s not only a beautiful morning to sing the national anthem, it’s a beautiful setting in which to sing the national anthem. Katy’s husband, Ryan, is deployed to Iraq. Katy, make sure you email him and tell him how appreciative we are of your service, and tell him how appreciative all of us are of your voice. (Applause.)
Laura and I want to thank the members of our — my administration for joining us. Mr. Vice President, we’re really thrilled you’re here. Thank you for coming, sir. (Applause.) Secretary of State Condi Rice is with us today. Madam Secretary, appreciate you being here. (Applause.) Secretary Jim Nicholson of the Veterans Affairs Administration; thanks for coming, Jim. (Applause.)
For you veterans who are here, there is no more solemn obligation by your government to make sure you have all it takes to — for your health care, and for your support. I feel a very strong obligation, since it was my decision that committed young men and women into combat, to make sure our veterans who are coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan get all the help this government can possibly provide. (Applause.)
