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Posted on 04/12/2005 1:19:30 PM PDT by RWR8189
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FORT HOOD, Texas (AP) - President Bush visited soldiers at the largest U.S. military base Tuesday, marking the two-year anniversary of the end of Saddam Hussein's regime by saying it will be remembered along with the fall of the Berlin Wall as one of history's greatest moments.
Bush thanked the soldiers at Fort Hood who have recently returned from Iraq or are heading there this fall, but said it isn't time to start bringing U.S. forces home.
"Iraqis want to be led by their own countrymen," Bush said. "We'll help them achieve that objective. And then our troops can come home with the honor they deserve."
"In the last two years you have accomplished much, but your work isn't over," he said. Terrorists "will remain under constant pressure from our armed forces."
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"Whether you are coming or going, you're making an enormous difference for the security of our nation and for the peace of our world," Bush told them. "I want to thank you for extending freedom to millions, and I want to thank you for making America proud."
The crowd remained somber and silent for much of the speech as Bush talked about the plight of Iraqis and soldiers who have aided them. They let out occasional whoops as Bush mentioned various base contingents who have contributed.
"If we can start to change the most powerful country in the Middle East, the others will follow," Bush said. "Americans 20 years down the road won't have to deal with a day like Sept. 11, 2001."
Bush noted that on April 9, 2003 - two years ago last Saturday - a statue of Saddam Hussein that stood in Baghdad was pulled from its pedestal to the ground on the day American commanders declared Saddam's regime no longer ruled in the city.
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Bush wrapped up a week of travel with the pep talk and lunch with soldiers stationed at Fort Hood, the largest active-duty armored post in the military. The president made his way through the mess hall serving line, piling a plate with fried chicken, collard greens and macaroni and cheese.
He was meeting privately with the families of about 30 soldiers who have been killed before leaving the base. Ft. Hood has lost 146 soldiers in Iraq, according to Fort Hood spokesman Lt. Col. Dan Baggio.
Soldiers and residents in Iraq still face daily violence, such as Monday's truck explosion near a U.S. convoy and a suicide bombing attack at a Marine outpost. Monday's abduction of a U.S. contractor also heightened fears among foreigners working in Iraq.
Bush also visited Fort Hood on Easter Sunday, when he worshipped at a base church and said he prayed for peace. His return to the base, just a short helicopter ride from his Crawford ranch, was originally scheduled for Friday but was delayed so he could attend Pope John Paul II's funeral in Rome.
Bush left Washington for Rome on Wednesday and after the pope's funeral flew directly to Texas for a weekend at his ranch. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon visited Monday.
Bush was returning to the White House later Tuesday.
It's a great psychological image to see Laura Bush, Bush Sr. and our President together on the same platform.
It looks and feels GREAT!
My son was in the "audience" today. He was so happy that the CIC would thank them personally for their service in Iraq.
My son was in the "audience" today. He was so happy that the CIC would thank them personally for their service in Iraq.
God bless your son!
"He was meeting privately with the families of about 30 soldiers who have been killed before leaving the base."
Nedra doesn't explain why the soldiers were killed before leaving the base. Throw the cow over the fence some hay.
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