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Remarks to the American Legion I appreciate the mayor of this great city Convention in Nashville, Tennessee of Nashville joining us. Mr. Mayor, thank you for coming. August 31, 2004 I appreciate Congressman Cooper from the State of Tennessee for joining us. Thank you all. Thanks for having me. And Most of all, I want to thank the Legion thank you for the warm welcome. Thank you members who have been so gracious in your all. I’m honored to be here at your 86th na- hospitality. Thank you and the Auxiliary tional convention. members for welcoming me. I—there’s another convention going on in Since your founding, the American Legion New York you might have heard about. has always been faithful to God and to coun- [Laughter] Tomorrow they’re going to try. You served our Nation in uniform, and choose a Presidential nominee. I think I got you still serve today. When Hurricane Char- the inside track. [Laughter] I’m taking noth- ley hit Florida a few weeks ago, American ing for granted, however. I’m taking nothing Legion posts gathered food and helped for granted, so Laura headed to New York neighbors in need. In moments of crisis, this morning to make my case, but I do want Americans know Legionnaires always come you to know she sends her very best regards. through. I also want to let you know that Americans’ Members of the American Legion and the veterans are the heart and soul of this Nation. Auxiliary are also serving your neighbors When freedom was under threat, you risked every day, volunteering in veterans hospitals, your lives in places like Omaha Beach and sponsoring scout troops and youth baseball, Okinawa, Keshan, Kandahar, and Baghdad. and collecting scholarship money for deserv- Because you served, Americans live in free- ing students. You’ve started a scholarship dom. I’m proud to stand before you as your fund for the children of troops killed since Commander in Chief and look in the eye and September the 11th, 2001, in the war on ter- say, America is grateful for your service. ror. Our country owes these families so And America is grateful for the service of much, and I thank you for showing the grati- Senator John McCain. He gave a great tude and the good heart of the United States speech last night in New York. He’s a great of America. American. He’s a great American who gave The most important gift you give our coun- his Nation some of the most difficult and dis- try is the example you set for the men and tinguished service in the history of our mili- women of our Armed Forces. In Afghanistan tary. He fought for America. He suffered for and Iraq and other fronts in the war on ter- America. He returned for honor, and his ror, today’s service men and women are car- service continues today. I’m proud to have rying on your legacy of selfless service and John McCain with us and standing by my courage under fire. I know you share Amer- side. ica’s pride in them. They are serving our I have enjoyed working with the national country with pride, and they are bringing commander, John Brieden. Maybe we got honor to the uniform. along so well because we both speak the Our fighting men and women are serving same language—[laughter]—Texan. [Laugh- America under a proud flag, and that flag ter] But he served this august body with class should be cherished and protected. When and dignity, and I’m proud of your service, John and your national adjutant general, Bob, John. Thank you, sir. And I was pleased to have come by the Oval Office, they always be introduced by Katherine Morris as well. remind me about the Citizens Flag Alliance. She too speaks Texan. [Laughter] I want to I appreciate your leadership in that impor- thank her for her leadership as the American tant alliance. Like you, I support a constitu- Legion Auxiliary national president. tional amendment to protect the flag from I’m pleased to be here with my friend desecration. I think John McCain put it best Tony Principi, the Secretary of Veterans Af- when he said, ‘‘American blood has been fairs. I want to thank Les Brownlee who is shed all over the world for the American flag, with us, the Acting Secretary of the Army. and I believe it deserves respect.’’

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Our Nation’s veterans have made serving elements, in the very country whose freedom America the highest priority of your lives. they fought for. And that is why I have made serving our Na- We are modernizing VA health centers tion’s veterans one of the highest priorities and building new ones, especially in the of my administration. To make sure my ad- South and West where increasing numbers ministration fulfills the commitment I have of our veterans live. Since 2001, we have made to America’s veterans, I selected one opened 194 new community-based clinics really fine man in Tony Principi. I am proud nationwide. Through the CARES Initiative of the job that our Secretary is doing. we’re providing $1 billion and have re- Thanks in large part to Tony’s leadership, quested another half-billion for next year to my administration has a solid record of ac- modernize VA facilities and to provide better complishment for our veterans. When my care for veterans in areas where the need 2005 budget request is approved by Con- is growing. When it comes to providing first- gress, we will have increased overall funding class care for our veterans, we are getting for our Nation’s veterans by almost $20 bil- the job done. lion or 40 percent since 2001. We have in- Our Nation’s debt extends not just to the creased funding for our veterans more in 4 veterans who served but to the families who years than the previous administration did in supported them in war and depend on them 8 years. We have increased VA medical care today. So last December, I signed the Vet- funding by 41 percent over the last 4 years. erans Benefits Act, authorizing $1 billion in We’re bringing care to more veterans more new and expanded benefits for disabled vet- quickly. Since 2001, we have enrolled 2.5 erans, surviving spouses, and their children. We meet today at a time of war for our million more veterans in health care services. country, a war we did not start, yet one that We have increased outpatient visits from 44 we will win. If America shows weakness or million to 54 million. We’ve increased the uncertainty in this decade, the world will number of prescriptions filled from 98 mil- drift toward tragedy. This will not happen lion to 116 million. We’ve reduced the back- on my watch. log of disability claims by about a third. We The world changed on that terrible Sep- will reduce it even further. We have cut the tember morning, and since that day, we have average time it takes to process disability changed the world. Before September the claims by 70 days. We’re getting the job done 11th, 2001, Afghanistan served as the home for our veterans. base of Al Qaida, which trained and deployed We have focused resources on veterans thousands of killers to set up terror cells who need it most, those with service-related around the world, including our own country. disabilities and low incomes and special Because we acted, Afghanistan is a rising de- needs. We’ve established a new scheduling mocracy. I don’t know whether you know this system to make certain that veterans seeking or not, but over 10 million Afghan citizens care for a service-connected condition are have registered to vote in the coming Octo- the first in line. ber Presidential elections. Because we acted, For more than a century, Federal law pro- many young girls now go to school for the hibited disabled veterans from receiving both first time. Because we acted, Afghanistan is their military retired pay and their VA dis- an ally in the war on terror. Because we ability compensation. Combat-injured and acted, America and the world are safer. severely disabled veterans deserve better. I Before September the 11th, Libya was was the first President in over 100 years to spending millions to acquire weapons of mass sign concurrent receipt legislation. destruction. Today, because America and our My administration has launched a $35 mil- allies sent a clear and easy-to-understand lion program to provide housing and health message, the leader of Libya has abandoned care and other support services to homeless his pursuit of weapons of mass destruction, veterans. No veteran who served in the blaz- and America and the world are safer. ing heat or bitter cold of foreign lands should Before September the 11th, the ruler of have to live without shelter, exposed to the Iraq was a sworn enemy of America. He was

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defying the world. He was firing weapons at We will continue to work with friends and American pilots who were enforcing the allies around the world to aggressively pursue world’s sanctions. He had pursued and he the terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan and had used weapons of mass destruction. He elsewhere. You cannot talk sense to these had harbored terrorists. He invaded his people. You cannot negotiate with them. You neighbors. He subsidized the families of sui- cannot hope for the best. We must aggres- cide bombers. He and his henchmen mur- sively pursue them around the world so we dered tens of thousands of his own citizens. do not have to face them here at home. In He was a source of instability in the world’s this different kind of war, we may never sit most volatile region. Saddam Hussein was a down at a peace table. But make no mistake threat. about it, we are winning, and we will win. After September the 11th, one of the les- We will win by staying on the offensive. We sons this country must always remember is will win by spreading liberty. We believe that that we must take threats seriously before liberty can transform nations from tyranny they fully materialize. So I went to the into peaceful nations. United States Congress, and members of And so we’ll keep our commitments in Af- both political parties, including my opponent, ghanistan and Iraq. We will help them be- looked at the intelligence and looked at the come peaceful and democratic countries that background and came to the same conclu- are allies in the war on terror. Those coun- sion: Saddam Hussein was a threat. tries are now governed by strong leaders who believe in the aspirations of their people. Before a President ever commits troops, We’ll help them in the political process. we must try all other alternatives to deal with More importantly, we will train Afghan citi- threats. And so I went to the United Nations. zens and Iraqi citizens so they can defend I said to the free world, ‘‘Saddam Hussein their own country against a few who would is a threat.’’ They looked at the same intel- stop the wishes of the many. Our military ligence and came to the same conclusion will complete this mission as quickly as pos- with a 15-to-nothing vote in U.N. Security sible so our troops do not stay a day longer Council. They said, ‘‘Disclose, disarm, or face than necessary. serious consequences.’’ The world had spo- We’re doing the hard work of securing our ken. country and spreading the peace, and those But as he had for over a decade. Saddam commitments are made by the men and Hussein defied the demands of the free women of our military. I’ve had the privilege world. He ignored the demands of the of traveling to bases around our country and United Nations. As a matter of fact, when around the world. I’ve met with those who we sent inspectors—or when the U.N. sent defend our security. I’ve seen their great de- inspectors into Iraq, he systematically de- cency and their unselfish courage. I can as- ceived the inspectors. So I had a choice to sure you, ladies and gentlemen, the cause of make: Do I forget the lessons of September freedom is in really good hands. the 11th and take the word of a madman, And those who wear our uniform deserve or do I take action to defend our country? the full support of the Government. For the Given that choice, I will defend America past years my administration has strength- every time. ened our military. We enacted the largest in- Even though we did not find the stockpiles creases in defense spending since Ronald that we thought we would find, Saddam Hus- Reagan served as the Commander in Chief. sein had the capability of making weapons We’ve increased military pay by nearly 21 of mass destruction, and he could have percent. We provided for better housing, for passed that capability on to the enemy, and better training, for better maintenance. that was a risk we could not afford to take Last September, when our troops were in after September the 11th. Knowing what I combat in Afghanistan and in Iraq, I pro- know today, I would have taken the same posed supplemental funding to support them action. America and the world are safer with in their missions. The legislation provided Saddam Hussein sitting in a prison cell. funding for body armor and vital equipment,

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hazard pay, health benefits, ammunition, This plan was carefully crafted over more fuel, and spare parts. It was important fund- than 3 years in close consultation with friends ing. We received great bipartisan support for and allies around the world. We will have that funding. All but 12 United States Sen- a presence, but we’ll have a smarter presence ators voted to support our troops in combat. to promote the peace. My opponent chose to vote no on that vital Within hours after I announced this plan, legislation. When asked, he said, ‘‘Well, I ac- my opponent came out against it, and that’s tually did vote for the $87 billion, right be- his right to do so. After all, it’s a campaign. fore I voted against it.’’ [Laughter] When fur- He’s allowed to say what he believes. The ther pressed, he said he was proud of his only problem is that he endorsed the idea vote, and then he said it was a complicated just 17 days earlier. [Laughter] On August matter. There’s nothing complicated about the 1st, he said, ‘‘I think we can significantly supporting our troops in combat. change the deployment of troops, not just In the long run, our security is not guaran- in Iraq but elsewhere in the world, the Ko- teed by force alone. We must work to change rean Peninsula, perhaps, Europe, perhaps. the conditions that give rise to terror, poverty There are great possibilities open to us, but and hopelessness and resentment. A free and this administration has very little imagina- peaceful Iraq and a free and peaceful Af- tion.’’ Well, it takes a lot of imagination to ghanistan will be powerful examples in part come out against a position you took just 17 of the world that is desperate for freedom. days earlier. [Laughter] By serving the ideal of liberty, we’re bringing This world has changed a great deal since hope to others, and we’re making our country many of you have worn the Nation’s uniform. more secure. By serving the ideal of liberty, Today, our troops have the most advanced we are making the world more peaceful, and technologies at their disposal. Weapons are more lethal and precise than any that were by serving the ideal of liberty, we’re serving available for you. Yet, their success in the the deepest ideals of the American soul. war on terror is made possible by the same Freedom is not America’s gift to the world. things that made your success possible, per- Freedom is the Almighty God’s gift to each sonal courage, dedication to duty, and love man and woman in this world. of our great country. We have more work to do to defend our As our troops serve today in Baghdad and freedom and to protect our country. For dec- Mosul and the Hindu Kush Mountains and ades, America’s Armed Forces abroad have around the world, I know American veterans essentially remained where the wars of the feel a special pride in them. They’re carrying last century ended, in Europe and Asia. on your legacy of sacrifice and service. Much of America’s current force posture was They’re determined to see the mission designed to protect us and our allies from through. America is proud of them. America Soviet aggression, a threat that no longer ex- will stand with them. ists. And that’s why I announced a plan to I want to thank you for standing by our transform our global force posture, the num- men and women in uniform. Thank you for bers, types, locations, and capabilities of U.S. your idealism. Thank you for your example. forces around the world. Thank you for your dedication to God and This new plan will help us fight and win country, and thank you for having me here. the war on terror. This new plan will help May God bless you, and may God continue us deal with the threats of the 21st century. to bless the United States of America. Thank It will strengthen our alliances while we build you all. new partnerships to better preserve the peace. It will reduce the stress on our troops NOTE: The President spoke at 10 a.m. at the Gay- and on our military families. It will save the lord Opryland Hotel. In his remarks, he referred taxpayers money, as we consolidate and close to Robert W. Spanogle, national adjutant, Amer- bases and facilities overseas no longer need- ican Legion; Mayor William Purcell of Nashville, ed to face the threats of our time and defend TN; and Col. Muammar Abu Minyar al-Qadhafi, the peace and freedom of the world. leader of Libya.

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Remarks at the Farm Progress Show and I appreciate working with Chuck. I re- in Alleman, Iowa member campaigning in your State a lot. August 31, 2004 Every time I’d go with him he’d say, ‘‘Oh, Farmer Jones lives here,’’ and then you’d go The President. Thank you all for coming. down the road about another mile, and he’d It’s great to be back in the great State of know the name of that farmer; then he’d Iowa. As you can see, I’m traveling in pretty know the name of that farmer’s wife. He good company. Speaking about people who probably knows everyone here names too. gave a great speech last night, John McCain [Laughter] That’s because he loves his State. did exactly what I hoped he would do, which He’s doing a fine job. is set the message straight about our record I appreciate the mayor, Mayor in fighting this war on terror. I’m proud to Bodenstiner, for being here. Mayor, I appre- call John a friend. He is, in fact, a hero, as ciate you coming. I think the only thing I’d Glen said, and he’s a great United States Sen- suggest is you make sure you fill the potholes. ator from the State of Arizona. Thanks for [Laughter] I appreciate you, though, Mr. coming, John. I’m proud to be with you. Mayor. Thanks for your service. It’s good to be here at the Farm Show. I know my friend Stew Iverson is here, You know, some people think you can find of the State senate. I know we’ve got a lot the heart and soul of America in Hollywood. of local officials and State officials here. I think you find it right here in Iowa, and Thank you for serving, and thank you for I appreciate you coming out to say hello. coming. I wish Laura were here. She’s getting There’s members of the ex-Governors club ready. She’s warming up for her speech to- here. I’m one of those members. Terry night. [Laughter] She’s getting ready to talk Branstad and Bob Ray are with us, and I’m to the Nation, and I’m glad she is. She’s a honored they are here—fine friends and great mom, a wonderful wife, and she’s a great people. great First Lady for this country. I’m really My friend Stan Thompson is running for proud of her—really proud of her. I’m going the United States Congress, and I hope you to be talking to you today about why I think give him a good look. He’s a good fellow. you ought to put me in there for 4 more Jan Lyons, president of the National years. But perhaps the most important reason Cattlemen’s Beef Association, is with us. of all is so that Laura is the First Lady for They have given me their endorsement. I am 4 more years. honored to be endorsed by the Cattlemen I want to thank my friend Glen Keppy. of the United States of America. Got the corn He’s the chairman of the Farmers for Bush growers represented here by Len Corzine. campaign here in this great State. It’s a vital I appreciate Len coming. I appreciate all the position because you got a lot of farmers corn growers being here too, by the way. Ron here. [Laughter] He’s a good man. He’s been Heck, the chairman of the American Soybean a friend for a long time. I said, ‘‘Would you Association, is with us. I appreciate Ron com- help me get out and get my message out in ing. I want to thank Keith Berry, whose pork the ag community?’’ He said, ‘‘You bet.’’ He people are here, pork grower—hog raisers— said, ‘‘Why don’t you come over here to the [laughter]—Pork Producers Council. I want Farm Show. Maybe a couple of people will to thank Craig Lang, who is the President show up and say hello.’’ I’m glad you’re here, of the Iowa Farm Bureau. Glen, and thank you for putting this on. I Most of all, I want to thank you for coming. want to thank all the people who have orga- I’m here to let you know I’m asking for your nized this great event. vote. I believe you got to get out—[ap- I appreciate Karen Nussle is here. She’s plause]. the wife of my friend Congressman Jim I got more work to do on behalf of the Nussle. American people. You know, we’ve got a real- I’m sorry Senator Grassley is not here. ly good record. We’ve done a lot in office, He’s a good one. I enjoy working with him. and we’ve come through a lot together. But We’re getting a lot done together for Iowa, there’s only one reason to look back, and that

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