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must be willing to stand in the face of nians joined hands, from Tallinn to Vilnius, evil, to have the courage to always face to show your love for freedom. Near Cathe- danger. dral Square is a stone commemorating that The people of the Baltic states have struggle. Inscribed on that stone is one shown these qualities to the world. You word, ‘‘Miracle.’’ The recent history of the have known cruel oppression and withstood Baltic states truly is a miracle. You’ve it. You were held captive by an empire, gained your freedom. You have won your and you outlived it. And because you have independence. You now join a great Alli- paid its cost, you know the value of human ance, and your miracle goes on. freedom. Lithuania today is true to its best Today, on this great day, may God bless traditions of democracy and tolerance and the memory of Lithuanian patriots and religious liberty, and you have earned the freedom fighters who did not live to see respect of my Nation and all nations. this moment. And may God always bless Our Alliance of freedom is being tested the brave and the free people of Lithuania. again by new and terrible dangers. Like Thank you for coming today. May God the Nazis and the Communists before bless freedom. them, the terrorists seek to end lives and control all life. And like the Nazis and the NOTE: The President spoke at 10:20 a.m. in Communists before them, they will be op- Rotuse Square. In his remarks, he referred posed by free nations, and the terrorists to President Valdas Adamkus of Lithuania, will be defeated. who introduced the President; President Over a decade ago, hundreds of thou- Vaira Vike-Freiberga of Latvia; and President sands of Lithuanians, Latvians, and Esto- Arnold Ruutel of Estonia.
Remarks on Receiving the Star of Romania in Bucharest, Romania November 23, 2002
Mr. President, thank you so much for Mr. President, Romania and America this honor. I accept the Star of Romania share common values and common chal- on behalf of my country, and I appreciate lenges. We will join together to open mar- the spirit of friendship that this award rep- kets, to build a new relationship with Rus- resents. sia, to confront global terrorism, and to stop I want to thank the Prime Minister and the proliferation of weapons of mass de- members of your Government for such fine struction. Europe and America face unprec- hospitality. edented dangers to our security, and we Laura and I are honored to be here, will face these dangers together. and so is my Cabinet—members of my The Romanian people have made a great Cabinet, as well as senior members of my effort to meet the standards of NATO staff. We’re here because America and the membership. That effort is succeeding. nations of the world have seen the courage America respects all that you have done and character of the Romanian people. You and all that you will do in the cause of have liberated yourselves from tyranny. freedom. And America will be your partner You’re building a vibrant democracy. And in continuing the work of reform. you’re preparing to join NATO. In all these On behalf of the American people, I events of history, America has been your proudly affirm the close relationship be- friend, and we’ll be proud to call you Ally. tween our countries, and I thank you for
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the honor of this award. May God bless NOTE: The President spoke at 3:47 p.m. at Romania. Cotroceni Palace. In his remarks, he referred to President Ion Iliescu and Prime Minister Adrian Nastase of Romania.
Remarks to the People of Romania in Bucharest November 23, 2002
Salut! Thank you all. Thank you, Mr. The path of freedom you’ve chosen is President. Thank you for being out here not easy, but it’s the only path worth tak- in the rain. Thank you for such a warm ing. I know that your hardship did not end welcome. Laura and I are honored to be with your oppression. America respects in this great country. As we started speak- your labor, your patience, your daily deter- ing, a rainbow appeared. God is smiling mination to find a better life. Your effort on us today. has been recognized by an offer to NATO I’m proud to stand in this great square membership. We welcome Romania into and to bring the good wishes of the Amer- NATO. ican people. Today we reaffirm the friend- NATO’s invitation to join was also a vote ship between your country and mine. I’m of confidence that you will continue the honored to carry a message to the people hard work of political, economic, and mili- of Romania: We proudly invite you to join tary reform. And as you do, you will have NATO, the great alliance of freedom. partners in all the nations of NATO. The All around us are reminders of Romania’s promises of our Alliance are sacred, and history and the culture we share. Close by we will keep our pledges to all the nations is a church, three centuries old, a symbol that join us. Should any danger threaten of the faith that overcomes all oppression. Romania—should any nation threaten Ro- In this square we see monuments of Roma- mania, the United States of America and nian patriots who lost their lives in liberty— NATO will be by your side. As a NATO for the liberty of your nation. And here, Ally, you can have this confidence: No one in December of 1989, you broke the si- will be able to take away the freedom of lence of your captivity. From that balcony, your country. the dictator heard your voices and faltered NATO membership will make Romania and fled. Two generations of bitter tyranny more secure, and Romania will add to the ended, and all the world witnessed the strength of the NATO Alliance as we face courage of Romania, the courage that set unprecedented new dangers. Already, our you free. troops are serving side by side in Afghani- Since those days of liberation, Romania stan. Already, Romania has joined the glob- has made an historic journey. Instead of al coalition against terror. And we thank hatred, you have chosen tolerance. Instead you very much. of destructive rivalry with your neighbors, The world has suffered enough from fa- you have chosen reconciliation. Instead of natics who seek to impose their will state control, you have chosen free markets through fear and murder. The NATO Alli- and rule of law. And instead of dictatorship, ance and the civilized world are confronting you have built a proud and working democ- the new enemies of freedom, and we will racy. prevail.
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