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September 03, 2004
President Bush, Commander in Chief
He had me at "Mr. Chairman, delegates, fellow citizens: I am honoured by your support, and I accept your nomination for President of the United States". But when he talked about the personal cost of serving as Commander in Chief, it was an electrifying moment. I'm printing this out and mailing it to my son, currently somewhere in Iraq.
One thing I have learned about the presidency is that whatever shortcomings you have, people are going to notice them -- and whatever strengths you have, you're going to need them. These four years have brought moments I could not foresee and will not forget. I have tried to comfort Americans who lost the most on September 11th -- people who showed me a picture or told me a story, so I would know how much was taken from them. I have learned first-hand that ordering Americans into battle is the hardest decision, even when it is right. I have returned the salute of wounded soldiers, some with a very tough road ahead, who say they were just doing their job. I've held the children of the fallen, who are told their dad or mom is a hero, but would rather just have their dad or mom.And I have met with parents and wives and husbands who have received a folded flag, and said a final goodbye to a soldier they loved. I am awed that so many have used those meetings to say that I am in their prayers ? to offer encouragement to me. Where does strength like that come from? How can people so burdened with sorrow also feel such pride? It is because they know their loved one was last seen doing good. Because they know that liberty was precious to the one they lost. And in those military families, I have seen the character of a great nation: decent, and idealistic, and strong.
The world saw that spirit three miles from here, when the people of this city faced peril together, and lifted a flag over the ruins, and defied the enemy with their courage. My fellow Americans, for as long as our country stands, people will look to the resurrection of New York City and they will say: Here buildings fell, and here a nation rose.
Thank God we have one candidate who is strong, resolute, and can look to the future with clarity of vision. I have no doubt that he will continue to keep his eye on the ultimate goalpost. And I really hope he's given the opportunity to do so in his second four-year term.
Posted by Deb at September 3, 2004 11:20 AM
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Comments
Deb,
That passage you posted from President Bush's speech last night made tears well in my eyes then, as it just did again as I read it. And I'm not generally a soft-hearted kind of guy. There's something really important in those words.
Glen
Posted by: Glenmore at September 3, 2004 02:30 PM
Me too, Glen, me too. President Bush truly understands.
Posted by: Deb at September 3, 2004 07:05 PM
Dear, Deb:
That sure was the most inspirational AND important part of the President's speech for me, too.
I'm glad that President Bush has the support of a certain Marine Seargent: Senator Zell Miller.
With Senator Miller's speech I saw what is meant when it is said of Marines: "No better Friend. No worse enemy!"
Posted by: MVH at September 3, 2004 10:01 PM
Not only was I "teared up" when Pres.Bush spoke those words, but I think he was, too. A far cry from the way the other guy shows his respect(or lack of) for our heroes. No pun intended.
Posted by: devildogma at September 6, 2004 09:31 PM
If it wasn't for Bush "the weapon of mass destruction" our sons would not be there. Frankly, I think there are other ways to handle problems. It bothers me to hear politics on this web site, but I am tired of hearing how wonderful someone is that I feel is the cause of many problems.
Posted by: Yolanda Montoya at September 7, 2004 02:45 PM
Wow... i watched the convention and it even brought tears to my eyes but to read it again was even more powerful for some reason. Ya'll have a wonderful website! Thanks so much!
Posted by: amylou at September 7, 2004 05:18 PM
I am really bummed too, seeing politics on this web site. Whether for Bush or Kerry, the focus should be on our troops and how we can best care for them.
Posted by: GA - Keith at September 8, 2004 02:40 AM