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This team had nine Pro-Bowlers, four future But in the meantime, congratulations to all Hall of Famers—five counting Coach Ditka. of you. Thank you for helping to bring our city They won one 3-game stretch by a combined together. Thank you for the incredible fun that score of 104–3. And even though they were the you gave to all of us. Stick around, guys, and youngest team in the NFL at that time, these enjoy yourselves. But as I mentioned back guys were so confident that Kevin Butler, who there, don’t break anything, and keep your was the kicker and still the Bears alltime lead- eyes on McMahon. [Laughter] All right, ing scorer, called his then-fiancée Cathy from Coach? training camp in July to say that they had to Former Head Coach Michael K. Ditka. Wait, change their wedding date because that was wait. One second, one second. We want to give the Super Bowl day. [Laughter] They were so the President—— confident that the day after they lost their only game of the season, they recorded “The Super [At this point, the President was presented with Bowl Shuffle.” [Laughter] They were suggest- a team jersey.] ing that I should dance “The Super Bowl Shuf- fle.” Can’t do it. But I do remember it. And in The President. Hey! Chicago, you could not get away from this song Mr. Ditka. On behalf of the 1985 Chicago even if you wanted to. [Laughter] I think it’s Bears, we consider him one of us. It was a safe to say that this is the only team in NFL great group of guys. We’re very proud that you history with a gold record and a Grammy nom- honored us by bringing us here. It’s only 26 ination. years after the fact, and five administrations, So this team changed everything for every but thank you. [Laughter] team that came on after, on and off the field. The President. Appreciate it, Coach. Thank They changed the laws of football. They were you so much. gritty, they were gutsy, they were hard-working, they were fun-loving, sort of how Chicagoans NOTE: The President spoke at 3:08 p.m. on the like to think of themselves. And Chicago has al- South Lawn at the White House. In his re- ways been a diehard football town, but this marks, he referred to New York Jets Head team did something to our city that we’ve never Coach Rex Ryan and Dallas Cowboys Defen- gotten over. We love the Bears. And as much sive Coordinator Rob Ryan, sons of former fun as it is to finally have these guys here, we Chicago Bears Defensive Coordinator James want today’s Bears to come home to the White D. “Buddy” Ryan; and James L. Brown, former House with a championship as well. fullback, Cleveland Browns.

Remarks Following a Meeting With Prime Minister Beji Caid Essebsi of Tu- nisia and an Exchange With Reporters October 7, 2011

President Obama. Well, it is my great plea- man rights set off a transformation in sure to welcome Prime Minister Caid Essebsi that has now spread to countries throughout here to the Oval Office. the region. As a result, Tunisia has been an in- As I think all of you know, Tunisia was the spiration to all of us who believe that each indi- first country in the North African-Middle East vidual, man and woman, has certain inalien- region to begin this incredible transformation able rights, and that those rights must be rec- that we now call the . The move- ognized in a government that is responsive, is ment that began with one street vendor pro- democratic, in which free and fair elections testing and taking his life in response to a gov- can take place, and in which the rights of mi- ernment that had not been responsive to hu- norities are protected.

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We are deeply encouraged by the progress ago. One of the first trade agreements that we that’s already been made in this short period of had as a country was with Tunisia. And so I time. In part because of the extraordinary lead- told the Prime Minister that thanks to his lead- ership of the Prime Minister, what we’ve seen ership, thanks to the extraordinary transforma- is a orderly process that includes constituent tion that’s taking place in Tunisia and the cour- assembly elections this month, that will include age of its people, I’m confident that we will the writing of a Constitution and fair and free have at least another two centuries of friend- elections both for a new Parliament and a new ship between our two countries. And the President. American people will stand by the people of So given that Tunisia was the first country to Tunisia in any way that we can during this re- undergo the transformation we know as the Ar- markable period in Tunisian history. ab Spring, and given it is now the first to have Prime Minister Caid Essebsi. What could I elections, we thought it was appropriate that add? I entirely agree with everything that the Tunisia would be the first to visit the White President said. But first and foremost, I’m very House. grateful, first of all, for having been invited by The Prime Minister and I had an excellent President Obama. discussion about both the opportunities and I came here to convey the great satisfaction, the challenges that Tunisia face going forward the great gratitude of the for and how the United States can be a helpful the constant support that he provided to the partner in that process. In particular, we dis- change in the revolution that took place in Tu- cussed the importance of having a economic nisia. And in fact, he was the very first person transformation that has taken place alongside to applaud, to congratulate the change that the political transformation. took place in our country on the 14th of Janu- The United States has an enormous stake in ary. And this change, this support, I believe is seeing the success in Tunisia and the creation irreversible. I came here to express to him my of greater opportunity and more business in- personal esteem for him, because he was the vestment in Tunisia. And so in addition to the first to truly understand the depth, the impor- $39 million that we have already provided in tance of the changes that were occurring in assistance to Tunisia as they make this transfor- Tunisia, and also the importance for the entire mation, we discussed a package that includes region. loan guarantees, assistance in encouraging You spoke about the Arab Spring, but up trade and foreign investment, a whole range of until now the Arab Spring is only really the support programs that will allow Tunisia to “Tunisian Spring.” So what I do hope is that create a greater business investment, offer this—our spring will not limit itself exclusively more opportunities for employment to its to Tunisia, and that it will spread throughout young people, and further integrate it into the the region, and that, of course, it depends for world marketplace. large part on the economic and political suc- We also discussed issues regarding the cess of Tunisia. transformation that has taken place in the re- And I’m confident in the success of this pro- gion as a whole. And I expressed my great ad- cess, thanks to the support expressed by Presi- miration and appreciation for the Libyan—for dent Obama today. And I told him that the the Tunisian people in the hospitality and kind- longstanding and privileged relations that exist ness that they showed to Libyan refugees dur- between the United States and Tunisia will not ing the tumultuous period that has taken place last merely for 200 years, but hopefully, until in over the last several months. eternity. Let me just close by pointing out that Tuni- The President mentioned the fact that Tuni- sia is one of our oldest friends in the world. Tu- sia was one of the very first countries to recog- nisia was one of the first countries to recognize nize the independence of the United States. I the United States of America over 200 years also reminded him of the fact that the United

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States was also one of the very first countries to eryone is better off, that the countries and cul- recognize the independence of Tunisia. tures that respect the contributions of women At any rate, at the end of this visit I would inevitably end up being more successful that like to reiterate my thanks to President Obama those that don’t. All right? and assure him that in Tunisia he will always Thank you very much. find a credible and sincere friend. President Obama. Thank you, everybody. NOTE: The President spoke at 4:32 p.m. in the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Recipients Oval Office at the White House. In his re- Q. Mr. President, the women who won the marks, he referred to President Ellen Johnson Nobel today, any reaction? Sirleaf of Liberia, Liberian peace activist President Obama. The three women who Leymah Gbowee, and Yemeni human rights won the Nobel Prize today are all remarkable activist Tawakkul Karman, recipients of the examples of not only their own determination 2011 Nobel Peace Prize. Prime Minister Caid and spirit, but also a reminder that when we Essebsi spoke in French, and his remarks were empower women around the world, then ev- translated by an interpreter.

Statement on the 10th Anniversary of the Commencement of United States Military Operations in Afghanistan October 7, 2011

Ten years ago today, in response to the 9/11 stan, we’ve pushed the Taliban out of its key terrorist attacks, our Nation went to war strongholds, Afghan security forces are grow- against Al Qaida and its Taliban protectors in ing stronger, and the Afghan people have a Afghanistan. As we mark a decade of sacrifice, new chance to forge their own future. We’ve Michelle and I join all Americans in saluting fought alongside Afghans and close friends and the more than half a million men and women allies from dozens of nations who have joined who have served bravely in Afghanistan to us in common purpose. In Afghanistan and be- keep our country safe, including our resilient yond, we have shown that the United States is wounded warriors who carry the scars of war, not and never will be at war with and seen and unseen. We honor the memory of the that we are a partner with those who seek jus- nearly 1,800 American patriots and many coali- tice, dignity, and opportunity. tion and Afghan partners who have made the After a difficult decade, we are responsibly ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan for our shared ending today’s wars from a position of strength. security and freedom. We pay tribute to our in- As the rest of our troops come home from Iraq spiring military families who have persevered this year, we have begun to draw down our at home with a loved one at war. And we are forces in Afghanistan and transition security to grateful to our tireless diplomats and intelli- the Afghan people, with whom we will forge an gence, homeland security, and law enforce- enduring partnership. As our sons and daugh- ment professionals who have worked these 10 ters come home to their families, we will up- years to protect our country and save American hold our sacred trust with our 9/11 generation lives. veterans and work to provide the care, bene- Thanks to the extraordinary service of these fits, and opportunities they deserve. And as we Americans, our citizens are safer and our Na- reflect on 10 years of war and look ahead to a tion is more secure. In delivering justice to future of peace, Michelle and I call upon all Usama bin Laden and many other Al Qaida Americans to show our gratitude and support leaders, we are closer than ever to defeating Al for our fellow citizens who risk their lives so Qaida and its murderous network. Despite the that we can enjoy the blessings of freedom and enormous challenges that remain in Afghani- security.

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