Posted on 11/19/2007 6:26:20 PM PST by snugs
The President and the First Lady spent the weekend in Washington attending St John's on Sunday as is their normal practice when in Washington on a Sunday.
Today the President visited Central Virginia Foodbank and then visted the Berkeley Plantation on the banks of the James River in Charles City , Virginia where he gave a Thanksgiving message.
Today the White House announced the resignation of Fran Townsend as counterrorism adviser Click here for the President's statement regarding her resignation
Today Secretary of State Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Winston Peters met in the Treaty Room of the U.S. State Department.
Today Secretary of Defense Robert Gates welcomed Norway Minister of Defense Anne-Grete Strom-Erichsen to the Pentagon.
Today the First Lady attended a ceremony celebrating the First Spouses Gold Coin Program at the White House.
Pray for President Bush - Day - 2622
Enjoy your visit to Sanity Island
QUOTE OF THE DAY
President Bush Offers Thanksgiving Greetings
Berkeley Plantation
Charles City, Virginia
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. Thanks very much. Thanks for the warm welcome. I am proud to be back in the great state of Virginia. I particularly appreciate the chance to visit Berkeley Plantation. I thank the good people who care for this historic treasure. Over the years, Presidents have visited Berkeley. President William Henry Harrison called it home. As a matter of fact, it was here where he composed the longest inauguration speech in history. (Laughter.) He went on for nearly two hours. You don't need to worry; I'm not going to try to one-up him today. (Laughter.)
Berkeley also claims to be the site of America's first official Thanksgiving. (Applause.) The good folks here say that the founders of Berkeley held their celebration before the Pilgrims had even left port. (Applause.) As you can imagine, this version of events is not very popular up north. (Laughter.) But even the administration of President Kennedy -- a son of Massachusetts -- recognized Berkeley's role in this important holiday. And so this afternoon, I've come to honor Berkeley's history -- and to continue the great American tradition of giving thanks. (Applause.)
Laura sends her best. Most people say, I wish she'd have come and not you. (Laughter.) She's doing just fine and I know she is going to be envious when I describe how beautiful this part of the country is. And I thank you for giving me a chance to come.
I want to thank my friend, Tom Saunders, who is the founder of the Saunders Trust for American History at the New York Historical Society -- that means he and his and wife, Jordan, are raising money to make sure this site is as beautiful as it is and stays an important part of our history and legacy. (Applause.)
I thank Judy and Jamie Jamieson, who happen to be the owners of this beautiful site. And I appreciate your hospitality. (Applause.) I can't help but recognize my daughter's future father-in-law -- (laughter) -- I appreciate you coming. (Applause.) A lot of people think she's showed some pretty good common sense to marry somebody from Virginia. (Applause.) He's doing all right, himself.
Every November, we celebrate the traditions of Thanksgiving; we're fixing to do so again. We remember that the Pilgrims gave thanks after their first harvest in New England. We remember that George Washington led his men in thanksgiving during the American Revolution. And we remember that Abraham Lincoln revived the Thanksgiving tradition in the midst of a bloody civil war.
Yet few Americans remember much about Berkeley. They don't know the story of the Berkeley Thanksgiving. This story has its beginnings in the founding of the colony of Virginia four centuries ago. As the colony grew, settlers ventured beyond the walls of Jamestown, and into the surrounding countryside. The Berkeley Company of England acquired 8,000 acres of nearby land, and commissioned an expedition to settle it.
In 1619, a band of 38 settlers departed Bristol, England for Berkeley aboard a ship like the one behind me. At the end of their long voyage, the men reviewed their orders from home. And here's what the orders said: "The day of our ship's arrival h shall be yearly and perpetually kept holy as a day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God." (Applause.) Upon hearing those orders, 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.
In the years that followed, the settlers at Berkeley faced many hardships. And in 1622, the settlement was destroyed. Berkeley became a successful plantation after it was rebuilt, when people returned to this site. And it is an important part of our history. And as we look back on the story of Berkeley, we remember that we live in a land of many blessings.
The story of Berkeley reminds us that we live in a land of opportunity. We remember that the settlers at Berkeley came to America with the hope of building a better life. And we remember that immigrants in every generation have followed in their footsteps. Their dreams have helped transform 13 small colonies into a large and growing nation of more than 300 million people.
Today, America we're blessed with great prosperity. We're blessed with farmers and ranchers who provide us with abundant food. We're blessed with the world's finest workers; with entrepreneurs who create new jobs. We're blessed with devoted teachers who prepare our children for the opportunities of tomorrow. We're blessed with a system of free enterprise that makes it possible for people of all backgrounds to rise in society and realize their dreams. These blessings have helped us build a strong and growing economy -- and these blessings have filled our lives with hope.
The story of Berkeley reminds us that we live in a nation dedicated to liberty. In 1776, Berkeley's owner, Benjamin Harrison, became one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. In the Declaration, we see the founders' great hope for our country, their conviction that we're all created equal, with the God-given right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
were held against their will here at Berkeley and other plantations -- and their bondage is a shameful chapter in our nation's history.
The story of Berkeley reminds us to honor those who have sacrificed in the cause of freedom. During the Civil War, Union forces at Berkeley adopted a nightly bugle call that has echoed throughout the ages. The bugle call has become known as "Taps." And when we hear it play, we remember that the freedoms we enjoyed have come at a heavy price.
Today, the men and women of the United States Armed Forces are taking risks for our freedom. They're fighting on the front lines of the war on terror, the war against extremists and radicals who would do us more harm. Many of them will spend Thanksgiving far from the comforts of home. And so we thank them for their service and sacrifice. We keep their families and loved ones in our prayers. We pray for the families who lost a loved one in this fight against the extremists and radicals, and we vow that their sacrifice will not be in vain. (Applause.)
This Thanksgiving, we pay tribute to all Americans who serve a cause larger than themselves. We are thankful for the police officers who patrol our streets. We're thankful for the firefighters who protect our homes and property. We're thankful for the leaders of our churches and synagogues and all faith-based organizations that call us to live lives of charity. We're thankful of the ordinary citizens who become good Samaritans in times of distress.
Our people have prospered, our nation has grown, our Thanksgiving traditions have evolved -- after all, they didn't have football back then. (Laughter.) Yet the source of all our blessings remains the same: We give thanks to the Author of Life who granted our forefathers safe passage to this land, who gives every man, woman, and child on the face of the Earth the gift of freedom, and who watches over our nation every day. (Applause.)
I wish you all a safe and happy Thanksgiving. I offer Thanksgiving greetings to every American citizen. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless the United States of America. (Applause.)
PHOTO OF THE DAY
President George W. Bush speaks with actors Jim Curtis and Mattie Jones during his visit Monday, Nov. 19, 2007, to the Thanksgiving Shrine at Berkeley Plantation in Charles City, Virginia. The President made his Thanksgiving remarks at the landmark first settled in 1619 by Englishman and Capt. John Woodlief. White House photo by Chris Greenberg
Hi
President Bush and first lady Laura Bush are accompanied by Rev. Luis Leon, as they leave the St. John's Church after attending the morning church service, Sunday, Nov., 18, 2007, in Washington.
Thanks for the ping
President George W. Bush walks out of the Oval Office before departing the White House in Washington for southern Virginia November 19, 2007
President Bush walks to board his helicopter, Marine One, for a short flight to Andrews Air Force Base, for a trip to Richmond, Va., at the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 19, 2007
President Bush speaks with his Press Secretary Dana Perino as they walk to board Marine One at the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 19, 2007, for a short flight to Andrews Air Force Base, then on to Richmond, Va.
President Bush walks to board his helicopter, Marine One, at the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 19, 2007, for a short flight to Andrews Air Force Base, then on to Richmond, Va. He is accompanied by members of his staff, Press Secretary Dana Perino, second from left, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Joel Kaplan, third from left, and Communications Director Kevin Sullivan.
President George W. Bush waves from Marine One before departing the South Lawn of the White House in Washington for southern Virginia November 19, 2007.
Good evening!
I’ve always wanted to go to Williamsburg, but have never made it. Someday.
President Bush waves as he walks to board Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Monday, Nov. 19, 2007, on his way to Richmond, Va.
President Bush greets volunteer Linda Barnes as he visits the Central Virginia Food Bank in Richmond, Monday, Nov. 19, 2007.
President George W. Bush talks with Linda Barnes, a volunteer, during his visit Monday, Nov. 19, 2007, to the Central Virginia Community Food Bank in Richmond, Va. With him, at right, are: Fay Lohr, Chief Executive Officer for the food bank, and Freedom Corps volunteer Paul Anderson. White House photo by Chris Greenberg
President George W. Bush (C) pushes a cart to be loaded with food alongside Faye Lohr (R), CEO of the Central Virginia Foodbank and Linda Barnes (L) as he tours the facility in Richmond, VA, November 19, 2007
President George W. Bush lifts a tray of peanut butter as he tours the Central Virginia Foodbank in Richmond, VA, November 19, 2007
President Bush visits the Central Virginia Food Bank in Richmond, Monday, Nov. 19, 2007. At right, Food Bank president Fay Lohr, and left, volunteer Pastor Mike Hennigan.
President Bush picks up a box of potatoes as he visits the Central Virginia Food Bank in Richmond Monday, Nov. 19, 2007. At right is Food Bank president Fay Lohr, and left is volunteer Pastor Mike Hennigan.
President George W. Bush (L) and Pastor Mike Hennigan gather packets of macaroni and cheese for those in need, during his visit to the Central Virginia Foodbank, in Richmond, Virginia, November 19, 2007
President Bush talks with Central Virginia Food Bank president Fay Lohr, left, during a visit in Richmond, Monday, Nov. 19, 2007
President George W. Bush (R) holds a can of Bush's baked Beans alongside Faye Lohr, CEO of the Central Virginia Foodbank as he tours the facility in Richmond, VA, November 19, 2007
President George W. Bush talks with Linda Barnes, a volunteer, during his visit Monday, Nov. 19, 2007, to the Central Virginia Community Food Bank in Richmond, Va. With him, at right, are: Fay Lohr, Chief Executive Officer for the food bank, and Freedom Corps volunteer Paul Anderson. White House photo by Chris Greenberg
Good evening
President Bush salutes the troops as he arrives for a visit to Berkeley Plantation on the banks of the James River in Charles City , Va., Monday, Nov. 19, 2007.
President George W. Bush greets U.S. soldiers in the crowd following his remarks at the Berkeley Plantation in Charles City, Virginia, November 19, 2007.
President Bush visits the Thanksgiving Shrine prior to delivering Thanksgiving remarks at Berkeley Plantation in Charles City, Monday, Nov. 19, 2007.
President George W. Bush (2nd L) speaks with actors in period costume in the Thanksgiving Shrine during his visit to the Berkeley Plantation in Charles City November 19, 2007. The President travelled to Virginia for events prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, at the site where experts claim the first Thanksgiving ceremony was given in 1619
President Bush talks with Jim Curtis, left, and Mattie Jones, dressed in period costumes, at the Thanksgiving Shrine at Berkeley Plantation in Charles City, Monday, Nov. 19, 2007
President Bush speaks during a visit to Berkeley Plantation on the banks of the James River in Charles City , Va., Monday, Nov. 19, 2007. The reproduction Jamestown ship "Godspeed" is anchored in the background.
Oh Eleanor, thank you for tonight’s Dose. I have bookmarked it & will be back tomorrow. I have only had 5 hrs sleep in past 72 & am pretty tired. canceled movie plans for tonight as result... did all the rest however.
Love seeing GWB participate in the food bank. How long was he there/ If you know. Wish when he did these, he would take off his coat, roll up sleeves & plug away. At this point it could be conjured up to be just a photo op.
Peace & love to all who visit. I am hoping someday before I die there will be energy & time to spend with my Internet DEAR friends..
Former Virginia Lt. Governor John Hager, the father of Jenna Bush's fiance', laughs as President Bush acknowledges him while talking about Thanksgiving at Berkeley Plantation in Charles City, Monday, Nov. 19, 2007
President Bush holds Adam Webb, 6, of Manassas Va., during a visit to Berkeley Plantation on the banks of the James River in Charles City , Va., Monday, Nov. 19, 2007.
President Bush pulls in close to get his photo taken with two members of various Virginia tribes who came to Berkeley Plantation, near Richmond,Va. to hear him deliver his Thanksgiving message, Monday, Nov. 19, 2007.
Marine One (L), carrying U.S. President George W. Bush, is followed by a second Marine helicopter near the Washington Monument while on approach to the White House in Washington November 19, 2007.
President Bush waves as he arrives on the South Lawn of the White House on Monday, Nov. 19, 2007
President George W. Bush (2nd L) greets supporters after arriving back at the White House in Washington after visiting southern Virginia November 19, 2007
“????? were held against their will here at Berkeley and other plantations — and their bondage is a shameful chapter in our nation’s history.”
Everything proceeds by degrees. When the U.S. was the only nation on earth that recognized human rights come frmo God and not from the Monarch, it was a new thing.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, right, and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Winston Peters, left, shake hands during a ceremony in Treaty Room of the U.S. State Department, Monday, Nov. 19, 2007
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, right, and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Winston Peters, left, meet in the Treaty Room of the U.S. State Department, Monday, Nov. 19, 2007
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, right, stops to respond to questions as she leaves the Treaty Room at the State Department with New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Winston Peters, left, Monday, Nov. 19, 2007
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, right, welcomes Norway Minister of Defense Anne-Grete Strom-Erichsen to the Pentagon, Monday, Nov. 19, 2007
First lady Laura Bush, right, is presented with a complete set of First Spouse coins by the Director of the U.S. Mint, Edmund C. Moy, left, in the East Room of the White House, during a ceremony celebrating the First Spouses Gold Coin Program, Monday, Nov. 19, 2007
25
And the winner of a Silver Toaster!
:)
Here are the 2 corrected toasters from 16th November 2007
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Great photos. Thanks for hosting today’s dose
Thanks, looks perfect
snugs: AWESOME DOSE tonight! . . . I really enjoy it when the President goes ‘on the road’ — he loves getting out of DC and interacting with ‘the people’ (and they love interacting with him)!
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YOU WILL FIND AWESOME ‘BEHIND THE SCENES’ VIDEOS FROM THE PRESIDENT’S TRIP TO VIRGINIA HERE:
[The “Jon Burkett Meets the President” videoclip is an absolute MUST SEE — He’s an Iraqi vet (turned broadcaster) who indicated that when he met the President today he (Burkett) told him (the President) that he loved him and gave him a big hug — YES, REAL PEOPLE (PARTICULARLY MEMBERS OF OUR MILITARY) LOVE GEORGE W BUSH . . . Leftist wackos and one-issue zealots are NOT ‘real’ people!]
http://www.wtvr.com/
You will find more POSITIVE reaction to the President here (another videoclip):
http://www.nbc12.com/
You can watch the President’s entire speech here (listen for his comments about Jenna’s future father-in-law — who was in attendance):
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/11/20071119-9.html
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KARL ROVE: HOW TO BEAT HILLARY
http://www.newsweek.com/id/71000
seems to me that was something else that we brought over from england...and everyone forgets there were plenty of white slaves, but they were called indentured servants, how special.
hhhmmm, wasn’t it New Zealand that wouldn’t let an over weight wife from England join her husband just because of her weight, this guy better watch out, they won’t let him back in the country!
Thanks for the great Dose, snugs. Lovely pictures at
Berkeley Plantation. And wow .. Dana Perino really
is tiny and so beautiful.
Hopefully he will before the wedding as the photos will emphasis it even more compared with President Bush.
True. History is so fascinating.
That is my understanding but I suppose by the time the photos are published they have landed and they know which one he was in.
Whoops I left the beginning of the sentance out. It should have read
“At times, America has fallen short of these ideals. We remember that the expansion of our country came at a terrible cost to Native American tribes. We remember that many people came to the New World in chains rather than by choice. For many years, slaves were held against their will here at Berkeley and other plantations — and their bondage is a shameful chapter in our nation’s history. “
I am confused because that is the same toaster from the other night.
Kaslin and I would have the same photo, but that is OK. When you did it on Friday, I was just so excited to have actually won anything. This toaster is JUST FINE. :^) You were sweet to worry.
Blessings to you! And thanks!
I like the pic of the Pres holding “Bush’s baked beans”. As much crap as this man has taken, I still like and respect him. It’s going to be such a disgrace seeing Marine one with cankles walking down the stairs.
Most nowadays are sex slaves but they are still slaves.
I am certain the remarks of the President which unfortunately when copying over I missed the first bit of the paragraph out were aimed at the past treatment of African Americans and of course the natives that were already here especially bearing in mind his geographical location and that it is Thanksgiving week and some of the most famous historical scenes of the first few thanksgiving depict native Americans.
You requested and so did Kaslin the photo of the day (or in your case said it was a photo you really liked) but I somehow got confused and put a different photo on the toaster probably the previous day’s photo of the day.
It’s all good. :^)
I know you’re gone by now, but thank you for all your hard work
and for Sanity Island tonight. It is more needed every day!
The pictures are good, though there aren’t too many.
The trip to Virginia was very interesting....the REAL first
Thanksgiving!
Bush’s Baked Beans! LOL!
I love it when he pitches in and helps in a local effort.
He really gets into the job at hand! Not afraid to do
manual labor at all.....as seen when he is on the ranch!
Great links, Deb!
I enjoyed seeing the president enjoying himself in Virginia!
Thank you for the Dose, Snugs :)
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