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this bill to my desk, without strings and Four years after this war began, the fight without delay. is difficult, but it can be won. It will be It can be tempting to look at the chal- won if we have the courage and resolve lenges in Iraq and conclude our best option to see it through. I’m grateful to our service is to pack up and go home. That may be men and women for all they’ve done and satisfying in the short run, but I believe for the honor they’ve brought to their uni- the consequences for American security form and their country. I’m grateful to our would be devastating. If American forces military families and for all the sacrifices were to step back from Baghdad before they have made for our country. We also it is more secure, a contagion of violence hold in our hearts the good men and could spill out across the entire country. women who’ve given their lives in this In time, this violence could engulf the re- struggle. We pray for the loved ones they gion. The terrorists could emerge from the have left behind. chaos with a safe haven in Iraq to replace The United States military is the most the one they had in Afghanistan, which capable and courageous fighting force in they used to plan the attacks of September the world. And whatever our differences the 11th, 2001. For the safety of the Amer- in Washington, our troops and their fami- ican people, we cannot allow this to hap- lies deserve the appreciation and the sup- pen. port of our entire Nation. Prevailing in Iraq is not going to be easy. Thank you. General Petraeus says that the environment in Iraq is the most challenging that he has NOTE: The President spoke at 11:30 a.m. in seen in his more than 32 years of service. the Roosevelt Room at the White House. In He also says that he has been impressed his remarks, he referred to Secretary of De- by the professionalism and the skill and fense Robert M. Gates; and Gen. David H. determination of our men and women in Petraeus, USA, commanding general, Multi- uniform. He sees in our troops, quote, ‘‘a National Force—Iraq. The Office of the true will to win and a sincere desire to Press Secretary also released a Spanish lan- help our Iraqi partners achieve success.’’ guage transcript of these remarks.

Remarks Honoring the 2006 NCAA Football Champion Gators March 19, 2007

Please be seated. This isn’t exactly ‘‘The be welcoming a Florida team.’’ And he’s Swamp.’’ [Laughter] This weekend, it right. One year after the Longhorns came, would have been ‘‘The Ice Rink.’’ Today here comes the mighty Gators. And we it is the White House that welcomes the welcome you, and we’re glad you’re here. National Champion Florida Gators. So you might call it Gator country. This So you might remember, one of my fam- is the 100th anniversary of ily members held elected office in Florida. at the University of Florida. It’s a pretty Yes, that was—[applause]—I hope he’s fine way to celebrate the 100th year. found work. [Laughter] And so I said: ‘‘You I want to thank Coach and know, I had the privilege of welcoming the Shelley for joining us. I appreciate Dr. Texas Longhorns to the White House.’’ He Machen, the president of the University of said: ‘‘One of these days, you’re going to Florida, and his wife Chris. Manny

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Fernandez, thanks for coming—he’s a a 4-year starter, but loves the school more chairman. Members of the boards of trust- than anything else and helps ees, we’re glad you all are here. Thank be a better . That’s what we you for serving. call teammates—people playing together Carolyn Roberts, who is the chair of the for the common good. And we thank you board of governors, is with us. I presume both for the leadership you’ve shown. Of the athletic director is here. If not, he’s course, you wouldn’t be half the players probably done—it’s amazing, isn’t it—so, that you are without the huge offensive line like, the basketball team and now the foot- and the receivers and backs you’ve got be- ball team. Like, what are you doing down hind you; I know you would say that. there? [Laughter] Yes, Gatorade. [Laugh- I appreciate your defense. I clearly re- ter] member linebacker . I’ve seen I appreciate the members of my adminis- that face before. [Laughter] So has the tration who are here, but I particularly whole country. You might remember, Ever- want to thank the Members of Congress, ett lost his headgear. He didn’t lose his starting with Senator Bill Nelson. Thank head—[laughter]—but he lost his headgear; you for coming, Senator. Appreciate you he went on to make a great tackle in a being here. Adam Putnam—all he talks key moment. That’s called tough defense, about is Gator football. Cliff Stearns—ap- hard-nosed defense. preciate you being here, Cliff. Corrine Where’s Ray McDonald? Can I say what Brown, thank you for coming. John Mica, Ray McDonald said? Can I quote you, Ray? Ander Crenshaw, Jeff Miller, and Gus Bili- Okay, I will. [Laughter] Here’s what he rakis, thank you all for joining us. Thanks said: ‘‘We don’t really believe in destiny. for serving. We believe when your number is called, So the Florida Gators had the Nation’s you make the play.’’ What he’s saying is, toughest schedule, and instead of wearing is that there’s no chance: ‘‘We win because them down, it made them tougher; instead we do what we’re coached to do, and we’re of, like, discouraging them that they got good at it.’’ And I appreciate the spirit, the bad deal when it came to the schedule, and I appreciate the caliber of people on all that did was cause them to play harder. this team. And it put them in pretty good stead going It didn’t take Urban Meyer long. Like, into the championship game. Like, you the guy shows up, the next thing he knows, might remember, all the pregame polls said he’s at the White House. [Laughter] Who- you couldn’t win. [Laughter] So much for ever hired him, good choice. He’s an amaz- polls. ing coach, with a good coaching staff. And I don’t know how you felt when the guy so I congratulate not only the players, but ran the kickoff back—looked like a rough I congratulate the coaching staff. I con- start—but didn’t let you—it get you down. gratulate all those who pick up the towels And you showed an unbelievable offense and make the program run. I thank those and a swarming defense. And we really who help sell the tickets and the unsung congratulate you; you’re a well-coached heroes of any athletic program. If you’re team of highly disciplined athletes. here, we welcome you to the White House, I particularly like the story of the two and we appreciate what you’ve done for , Chris Leak and . the national champs. First of all—[applause]. Where’s Tebow? I do want to say another thing about There he is. It’s like the guy is trying to this program, Mr. President. I was very bring the single wing back, you know? pleased to see that the graduation success [Laughter] And so Tebow takes a look at rate of Florida’s athletic programs are 15 Florida and sees the fact that they’ve got percent higher than the national average.

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After all, you are representing a great uni- off the field. And I believe one of the rea- versity. And I appreciate the fact that peo- sons this program is successful is because ple can be student-athletes. I appreciate it not only you’re good football players, but because at some point in time, you’re not you’re good people. going to be an athlete. At some point in And I want to say one other thing time, you’re going to have to use the skills about—now that I’ve got the mike—[laugh- you learned as a student to be a construc- ter]—I want to say something at Cam tive citizen of the United States. And so, Brewer. Where’s Cam? There he is, right Coach, I appreciate the fact that you work there—United States Marine. I appreciate hard with these players to make sure that the fact that you wore the uniform of the they take advantage of this fantastic oppor- United States of America. I appreciate the tunity, and that is to be a student at the fact that you put self—something larger University of Florida. than yourself as an important part of your I also appreciate the spirit of giving that’s life. It’s a good example, isn’t it? And now a part of this football program. I don’t I appreciate the fact that you’ve taken ad- know if you know this or not, but Coach vantage of the educational opportunities of- Meyer hosts the annual Urban Meyer Golf fered to those who have worn the uniform Scramble for Kids. This year, the event and gotten yourself an education at a fine raised a record $300,000, all aiming at help- university. ing youth organizations buy equipment, all Again, I want to welcome you all to the aiming at touching a soul, trying to make White House. It’s an honor to welcome somebody’s life better. you here. More importantly, it’s an honor Coach, I appreciate the example you set, to welcome the National Football Cham- and I also appreciate the fact that 32 of pion Florida Gators. your football players volunteered for com- munity organizations; 32 souls said: ‘‘I’m NOTE: The President spoke at 3:03 p.m. on more than a football player; I’m a leader the South Lawn at the White House. In his when it comes to helping the community remarks, he referred to former Gov. Jeb in which I live.’’ Bush of Florida; J. Bernard Machen, presi- just so happens to be dent, Manny A. Fernandez, chairman of the captain. Here’s what he said; he said: ‘‘If board of trustees, and Jeremy N. Foley, ath- everyone took a small leadership role in letic director, University of Florida; Carolyn whatever it is they do, we can help elimi- K. Roberts, chairman of the board of gov- nate some of the problems that are in our ernors, State University System of Florida; society.’’ I love the spirit. I love the fact and Ray McDonald, defensive end, and that champions understand you’ve got to Jemalle Cornelius and Cam Brewer, wide re- be a champ on the field as well as a champ ceivers, University of Florida football team.

Statement on the Death of Raymond D. Nasher March 19, 2007

Ray Nasher was a brilliant businessman, age of the arts, he shared his magnificent diplomat, and philanthropist. Through his collection of modern and contemporary service at the United Nations, he rep- sculpture in countless office spaces and the resented the best of his country and his world-class museums he created in Dallas home State of Texas. Through his patron- and at Duke University. Ray served the

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