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citizens and to bring the hope of freedom Thank you for listening. to millions who have not known it. We owe these fallen heroes our gratitude, and we offer their families our heartfelt condo- lences and prayers. NOTE: The address was recorded at 8:20 a.m. Now we must finish the task that our on August 19 at the Bush Ranch in Crawford, troops have given their lives for and honor TX, for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on August their sacrifice by completing their mission. 20. The transcript was made available by the We can be confident in the ultimate tri- Office of the Press Secretary on August 19 umph of our cause, because we know that but was embargoed for release until the freedom is the future of every nation and broadcast. The Office of the Press Secretary that the side of freedom is the side of also released a Spanish language transcript victory. of this address.

Remarks to the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah August 22, 2005

Thank you all. Thank you all very much. I appreciate John Furgess. I appreciated Thanks for the warm welcome. It’s a pleas- working with him for the past year. He’s ure to be back here in Salt Lake City, a good, honorable man, and he’s rep- Utah, and I’m proud to again stand with resented the VFW with distinction and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Thanks for class. It takes judgment to be the president having me. of an organization. And so when I first saw I really enjoy coming to these conven- John this morning, I realized he was a man tions. Members here come from all walks of good judgment. He said, ‘‘You’ve got of life, and you do vital work across our to understand, Mr. President, most of the country. I know firsthand the spirit of the people are really excited to see Laura.’’ VFW. I was raised by one of your mem- [Laughter] I’m proud she’s traveling with bers, a proud veteran of Post 4344 in Hous- me. I’m proud to call her wife, and a lot ton, Texas—former President George Bush. of folks in this United States of America Where is that mighty Texas delegation? are proud to call her First Lady. [Applause] Behave yourself. [Laughter] And I’m pleased that the Secretary of I’m honored to serve as the Commander Veterans Affairs is with us today, Ranger in Chief of the United States Armed vet, a man who is doing a fine job on Forces. The men and women who wear behalf of the veterans across the United the uniform today are protecting our Na- States, Secretary Jim Nicholson. tion and our way of life. And they are up- When I landed out there at the airport, holding a tradition of honor and bravery I was greeted at the base of the stairs by and integrity set by America’s veterans. All the Governor of this great State, Governor of you defended this country with unselfish Jon Huntsman. And I appreciate you being courage. You’ve earned the respect of our here, Governor, and I want to thank your citizens. And so, on behalf of a grateful wife, Mary Kaye, for joining as well. There nation, thank you for your service for the she is. Hi, Mary Kaye. I know the Lieuten- cause of freedom and . ant Governor, Gary Herbert, is with us,

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and Jeanette. Appreciate you being here, tion. America must never forget them. We Lieutenant Governor. will not stop searching until we have ac- I got on Air Force One down there in counted for every soldier, sailor, airman, Waco, and they told me that we had a and marine missing in the line of duty. special guest on our plane. I said, ‘‘Well, VFW’s mission is to honor the dead by who is it?’’ They said, ‘‘Well, it’s Orrin helping the living, and VFW members are Hatch.’’ I said, ‘‘Fantastic. Glad to give the making good on that promise every day. fellow a ride.’’ [Laughter] And the reason Together with your superb Ladies Auxiliary, why I’m glad to give him a ride—he’s a VFW members have adopted military units, strong ally, and I appreciate a strong ally mentored youth groups, assisted in blood in Orrin Hatch. He does a great job for drives, and provided countless services to Utah, and he does a great job for the fellow veterans and their families. When United States of America. you hear the name VFW, you know a cer- I appreciate Congressman Chris Cannon tain type of work is being done—honorable, joining us today—thank you for being here, decent, and faithful to the Nation’s highest Congressman—and Congressman Jim ideals. Matheson. I’m proud you both are here. In war and in peace, America’s veterans Thanks for taking time to be here today. set an example of citizenship, and we honor They must have changed the immigration your devotion to duty and to our country. laws here in Utah, because they allowed All of America’s veterans have placed the the Idaho Governor to come across the Nation’s security before their own lives. border. [Laughter] I’m proud to be here Your sacrifice creates a debt that America with my friend Dirk Kempthorne. Thank you for coming, Dirk. can never really fully repay. I want to thank the senior vice com- Yet there are certain things the Govern- mander, Jim Mueller, for his hospitality. ment can do. My administration remains I’m looking forward to working with him. firmly committed to serving America’s vet- I want to thank JoAnne Ott, the outgoing erans. Since I took office, my administra- National VFW Ladies Auxiliary president. tion, in working with the United States And I want to thank Sandy Germany, who Congress, has increased spending for vet- will be the incoming president. erans by $24 billion, an increase of 53 per- Most of all, thank you all. As veterans cent. In my first 4 years as President, we of foreign wars, you stepped forward when increased spending for veterans more than America needed you. You took an oath to twice as much as the previous administra- defend the Nation, and you kept that oath, tion did in 8 years. overseas and under fire. You triumphed Health care is a top priority for our vet- over brutal enemies, liberated continents, erans, and it’s a top priority for my admin- and answered the prayers of millions across istration. The past 4 years, we’ve increased the Earth. All of us who have grown up the VA’s medical care budget by 51 per- in freedom must never forget your service cent, and we’re using those resources to and your sacrifice. make real improvements for our veterans. We also remember the troops who left Over the past 4 years, we’ve increased total America’s shores but did not live to make outpatient visits from 44 million to 55 mil- the journey home. We think of the families lion. We’ve increased the number of pre- who lost a loved one and who carry a bur- scriptions filled from 98 million to 116 mil- den of grief that remains for a lifetime. lion. Since January 2002, we’ve reduced the We remember the men and women in uni- backlog of disability claims by 20 percent. form whose fate is still undetermined, our Claims are now being processed 68 days prisoners of war and those missing in ac- faster. By the end of this year, we plan

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to cut another 15 days on the average turn- fighting on behalf of a hateful ideology that around time. despises everything America stands for. We place a special focus on treating men Our enemies have no regard for human and women returning from combat and vet- life. They’re trying to hijack a great religion erans with service disabilities and lower in- to justify a dark vision that rejects freedom comes and special needs. In the last 2 and tolerance and dissent. They have a years, we’ve committed more than $1.5 bil- strategy, and part of that strategy is, they’re lion to modernizing and expanding VA fa- trying to shake our will. They kill the inno- cilities, so more veterans can get care closer cent. They kill women and children, know- to their homes. My administration is help- ing that the images of their brutality will ing the veterans who fought and sacrificed horrify civilized peoples. Their goal is to for America get the quality care they de- drive nations into retreat so they can topple serve. governments across the Middle East, estab- We’re also getting results for veterans be- lish Taliban-like regimes, and turn that re- yond the health care system. For more than gion into a launching pad for more attacks a century, Federal law prohibited disabled against our people. In all their objectives, veterans from receiving both their military our enemies are trying to intimidate Amer- retired pay and their VA disability com- ica and the free world. And in all their objectives, they will fail. pensation. Combat-injured and severely dis- Like the great struggles of the 20th cen- abled veterans deserve better, and I was tury, the war on terror demands every ele- honored to be the first President in more ment of our national power. Yet this is a than 100 years to sign concurrent receipt different kind of war. Our enemies are not legislation. organized into battalions or commanded by We’ve also expanded grants to help governments. They hide in shadowy net- homeless veterans in all 50 States and the works and retreat after they strike. After District of Columbia. No veteran who September the 11th, 2001, I made a served in the blazing heat or bitter cold pledge: America will not be—will not wait of foreign lands should have to live without to be attacked again. We will go on the shelter in the very country whose freedom offense, and we will defend our freedom. they fought for. We have a comprehensive strategy to win You defended our flag in uniform; you this war on terror. It includes three parts: continue to defend the flag today. I share protecting this homeland, taking the fight the VFW’s strong support for a constitu- to the enemy, and advancing freedom. The tional amendment to protect the American first part of our strategy is to protect Amer- flag. In June, the House of Representatives ica. We’re reforming our intelligence serv- voted to ban flag desecration, and I urge ices to stay ahead of our enemies and to the to pass this im- rout out terror cells before they strike. portant amendment this year. We’re using our diplomatic and financial At this hour, a new generation of Ameri- tools to cut off the terrorists’ financing and cans is defending our flag and our freedom to drain them of their support. We’ve more in the first war of the 21st century. The than tripled funding for homeland security war came to our shores on the morning since September the 11th, 2001. We’ve of September the 11th, 2001. Since then provided more than $14 billion to train and the terrorists have continued to strike in equip State and local first-responders. Bali, in Riyadh, in Istanbul, and Madrid Many of our police officers and firefighters and Baghdad and London and Sharm el- and first-responders are veterans, and Sheikh and elsewhere. The enemy, the ter- America is grateful for their dedication to rorists, are ruthless and brutal. They’re keeping this country safe.

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One of the most important tools we have bringing justice to our enemies. Our goal to protect America is called the USA PA- is clear: To secure a more peaceful world TRIOT Act. This good law permits our in- for our children and grandchildren, we will telligence and law enforcement commu- accept nothing less than total victory over nities to share information. It gives our law the terrorists and their hateful ideology. enforcement officers many of the same is a central front in the war on tools to fight terror that they already use terror. It is a vital part of our mission. to fight drugs and street crime. The PA- Terrorists like bin Laden and his ally TRIOT Act is fully consistent with the Zarqawi are trying to turn Iraq into what United States Constitution, and as a result Afghanistan was under the Taliban, a place of that act, we’re getting results. Our law where women are beaten, religious and eth- enforcement intelligence officers have used nic minorities are executed, and terrorists the to help break up terror have sanctuary to plot attacks against free cells and support networks in California people. Terrorists are trying to block the and New York and Ohio and Illinois and rise of democracy in Iraq, because they Virginia and Florida and other States. know a free Iraq will deal a decisive blow Key provisions of the PATRIOT Act are to their strategy to achieve absolute power. scheduled to expire at the end of this year. The Iraqi people lived for three decades Yet the terrorist threat to our country will under an absolute dictatorship, and they not expire at the end of this year. When will not allow a new set of would-be tyrants the House and Senate return from their to take control of their future. recess, they need to send me a bill to The response—the people of Iraq have renew the PATRIOT Act. made a clear choice for all to see. In spite All these steps to protect the homeland of threats and assassinations, more than 8 have made us safer, but we’re not yet safe. million citizens defied the car bombers and Terrorists in foreign lands still hope to at- killers and voted in free elections. In spite tack our country. They still hope to kill of violence, the Iraqi people are building our citizens. The lesson of September the a nation that secures freedom for its citi- 11th, 2001, is that we must confront threats zens and contributes to peace and stability before they fully materialize. in that region. Vast oceans and friendly neighbors are Now Iraq’s leaders are once again not enough to protect us. A policy of re- defying the terrorists and pessimists by treat and isolation will not bring us safety. completing work on a democratic constitu- The only way to defend our citizens where tion. The establishment of a democratic we live is to go after the terrorists where constitution will be a landmark event in they live. the history of Iraq and the history of the So the second part of our strategy is to Middle East. All of Iraq’s main ethnic and take the fight to the terrorists abroad be- religious groups are working together on fore they can attack us here at home. This this vital project. All made the courageous is the most difficult and dangerous mission choice to join the political process, and to- in the war on terror. And like generations gether they will produce a constitution that before them, our soldiers and sailors and reflects the values and traditions of the airmen and marines have stepped forward Iraqi people. to accept the mission. They’ve damaged the Producing a constitution is a difficult Al Qaida network across the world, and process that involves debate and com- we’re going to keep the terrorists on the promise. We know this from our own his- run. From Afghanistan to Iraq to the Horn tory. Our Constitutional Convention was of Africa, our men and women in uniform home to political rivalries and regional dis- are bringing our enemies to justice and agreements. The Constitution our Founders

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produced has been amended many times ally in the war on terror. In Lebanon, peo- over. So Americans understand the chal- ple took to the streets to demand their lenges facing the framers of Iraq’s new con- sovereignty. They have now gone to the stitution. We admire their thoughtful delib- polls and voted in free elections. As free- erations. We salute their determination to dom takes root in these countries, it is in- lay the foundation for lasting democracy spiring democratic reformers in places like amid the ruins of a brutal dictatorship. Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Across the region, As Iraqis continue to take control of their a new generation desires to be free, and own future, we will help them take respon- they will have it. And the world will be sibility for their own security. The enemies more peaceful because of it. of a free Iraq are determined. They are In the heart of the Middle East, a hope- adapting their tactics so they can take more ful story is unfolding. After decades of shat- innocent life. American and Iraqi forces are tered promises and stolen lives, peace is adapting our tactics too. We’re on the hunt, within reach in the Holy Land. The Pales- side by side with Iraqi troops. We’re work- tinian people have expressed their desire ing to defeat the terrorists together. As we for sovereignty and peace in free and fair hunt down our common enemies, we will elections. President Abbas has rejected vio- continue to train more Iraqi security forces lence and taken steps toward democratic so they can take on more responsibilities reform. This past week, Prime Minister in fighting the terrorists. After all, it’s their Sharon and the Israeli people took a coura- own country. geous and painful step by beginning to re- Our military strategy is straightforward: move settlements in Gaza and parts of the As Iraqis stand up, Americans will stand northern West Bank. The Israeli disengage- down. And when Iraqi forces can defend ment is an historic step that reflects the their freedom by taking on more and more bold leadership of Prime Minister Sharon. of the fight to the enemy, our troops will come home with the honor they have Both Israelis and Palestinians have elect- earned. ed governments committed to peace and In the long run, victory in the war on progress, and the way forward is clear. terror requires changing the conditions that We’re working for a return to the roadmap. give rise to violence and extremism. So the We’re helping the Palestinians to prepare third part of our strategy in the war on for self-government and to defeat terrorists terror is to spread the hope of freedom who attack Israel and terrorists who oppose across the broader Middle East. Free soci- the establishment of a peaceful Palestinian eties are peaceful societies. By standing state. We’re providing $50 million in direct with those who stand for their liberty, we assistance to the Palestinians for new hous- will lay the foundation of peace for our ing and infrastructure projects in Gaza. We children and our grandchildren. remain fully committed to defending the As we work to spread freedom in the security and well-being of our friend and Middle East, we have cause for optimism. ally Israel, and we demand an end to ter- The rise of liberty in Iraq is part of a rorism and violence in every form, because wider movement in the region. The tide we know that progress toward peace de- of freedom ebbs and flows, but it is moving pends on an end to terror. We’ll continue in a clear direction, and freedom’s tide is working for the day when the map of the rising in the broader Middle East. Middle East shows two democratic states, In Afghanistan, men and women have Israel and Palestine, living side by side in formed a free government after suffering peace and security. one of the most brutal tyrannies on Earth. As more nations replace tyranny with lib- America is proud to call Afghanistan an erty and replace hatred with hope, America

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will be more secure. Our Nation has ac- do not fight each other and that liberation cepted a mission, and we’re moving forward leads to peace. With your courage and with resolve. Spreading freedom is the commitment to freedom, you have lifted work of generations, and no one knows it lives of millions around the globe, and you better than you. Freedom has contended made this country and our world more se- with hateful ideologies before. We defeated cure. fascism; we defeated communism; and we The generation of men and women who will defeat the hateful ideology of the ter- defend our freedom today is taking its rorists who attacked America. rightful place among the heroes of our Na- Each of these struggles for freedom re- tion’s history. Once again, America has quired great sacrifice. From the beaches found patriots who are selfless and tireless of Normandy to the snows of Korea, coura- and unrelenting in the face of danger. Once geous Americans gave their lives so others again, the American people have been could live in freedom. Since the morning steadfast and determined not to lose our of September the 11th, we have known that nerve. And once again, we have confidence the war on terror would require great sac- in our cause, because we know that free- rifice as well. We have lost 1,864 members dom is the future of every nation and that of our Armed Forces in Operation Iraqi the side of freedom is the side of victory. Freedom, and 223 in Operation Enduring I want to thank you for the example you Freedom. Each of these men and women have set for all who wear our Nation’s uni- left grieving families and loved ones back form. I want to thank you for your bravery home. Each of these heroes left a legacy and your decency. May God bless this Na- that will allow generations of their fellow tion’s veterans, and may God continue to Americans to enjoy the blessings of liberty. bless the United States of America. And each of these Americans has brought the hope of freedom to millions who have NOTE: The President spoke at 11:17 a.m. at not known it. We owe them something. the Salt Palace Convention Center. In his re- We will finish the task that they gave their marks, he referred to John Furgess, com- lives for. We will honor their sacrifice by mander-in- chief, and James R. Mueller, sen- staying on the offensive against the terror- ior vice commander-in-chief, Veterans of ists and building strong allies in Afghanistan Foreign Wars; Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr., of and Iraq that will help us win and fight— Utah and his wife, Mary Kaye Huntsman; Lt. fight and win the war on terror. Gov. Gary R. Herbert of Utah and his wife, As veterans of foreign wars, you know Jeanette Herbert; Gov. Dirk Kempthorne of that the rise of liberty is critical to our Idaho; Usama bin Laden, leader of the Al national security. You understand the power Qaida terrorist organization; senior Al Qaida of freedom because you’ve witnessed it associate Abu Musab Al Zarqawi; President with your own eyes. In a single lifetime, Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) of the Pales- many of you have seen liberty spread from tinian Authority; and Prime Minister Ariel Germany and Japan to Eastern Europe to Sharon of Israel. The Office of the Press Sec- Latin America to Southeast Asia and Africa retary also released a Spanish language tran- and beyond. You’ve seen that democracies script of these remarks.

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Remarks and an Exchange With Reporters in Donnelly, Idaho August 23, 2005

The President. I want to thank the the terrorists. We’ll train Iraqi forces to Governor for the invitation to come to defeat the terrorists. In the long run, we’ll Idaho. He’s been asking me to come here defeat the terrorists through the spread of for 5 years, and I finally made it. I’m going freedom and democracy. to tell the people tomorrow in Boise that Anyway, thanks for the invitation. The I made a mistake not coming here earlier. Idaho National Guard has done good, It’s a beautiful State. We’re out spending strong work, and I look forward to thanking a little time hiking the trails here. This them in person. I’ll take a couple of ques- is a spectacular part of the world. I want tions. AP. to thank the people of Idaho for a warm welcome. I’m looking forward to my speech tomor- row, to thank the Idaho National Guard Meeting With Antiwar Protesters and those who are on active duty for their Q. Mr. President, we know you met with selfless dedication to working to make this a year ago, but she says world a more secure place for those of a lot has changed since then. She has more us who love freedom. I’ll remind the peo- to say to you, and even some Republicans ple that we’re making progress on two have said that you should meet with her. fronts—a political front. The Iraqi people Why not do that when you get back to are working hard to reach a consensus on the ranch? their constitution. It’s an amazing process The President. Well, I did meet with to work. First of all, the fact that they’re Cindy Sheehan. I strongly support her right even writing a constitution is vastly dif- to protest. There’s a lot of people pro- ferent from living under the iron hand of testing, and there’s a lot of points of view a dictator. about the . As you know, in As Americans watch the constitutional Crawford last weekend, there were people process unfold, as we watch people work from both sides of the issue, or from all to achieve compromise and unity, we’ve got sides of the issue, there to express their to remember our own history. We had opinions. trouble at our own conventions writing a I sent Deputy Chief of Staff Hagin and constitution. It took a lot of work and a National Security Adviser Hadley to meet lot of interest and willingness of people to with Ms. Sheehan early on. She expressed work for the common good. That’s what her opinion. I disagree with it. I think im- we’re seeing in Iraq, and that’s a positive mediate withdrawal from Iraq would be a development. The fact that Iraq will have mistake. I think those who advocate imme- a democratic constitution that honors wom- diate withdrawal from not only Iraq but en’s rights, the rights of minorities, is going the Middle East would be—are advocating to be an important change in the broader a policy that would weaken the United Middle East. States. So I appreciate her right to protest. And on the security front, we’ll remain I understand her anguish. I met with a on the hunt. We have an obligation and lot of families. She doesn’t represent the a duty to protect this country. And one view of a lot of the families I have met way to do so is to not only firm up the with. And I’ll continue to meet with fami- homeland but to stay on the offense against lies. the terrorists, and we’ll do so. We’ll defeat Toby [Tabassum Zakaria, Reuters].

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