Text 1171, 90 rader
Skriven 2005-07-02 23:40:02 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (050702) for Sat, 2005 Jul 2
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President's Radio Address
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For Immediate Release
July 2, 2005

President's Radio Address


ÿÿÿÿÿAudio
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THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Laura and I wish all Americans a happy Fourth
of July weekend. I look forward to celebrating Independence Day with the
people of Morgantown, West Virginia.

On the Fourth of July, we remember the vision and conviction of America's
Founders. We remember the ideals of liberty that led men from 13 colonies
to gather in Philadelphia and pen a declaration of self-evident truths. And
we remember the extraordinary personal courage that made their efforts a
success. Doctor Benjamin Rush said that signing the Declaration of
Independence was "like signing your own death warrant." He signed it anyway
-- right above his fellow Pennsylvania delegate, Benjamin Franklin.

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On Independence Day, we are also mindful that the promises of the
Declaration have been secured by the service and sacrifice of every
generation. America's first defenders were mostly farmers, artisans, and
shopkeepers who waged a desperate fight for independence. Our Union was
preserved through the costly battles of the Civil War -- including one at
Vicksburg that ended on Independence Day, 1863. And we live in freedom
because Americans prevailed in the hard-fought struggles of the 20th
century, from the Marne and Normandy to Iwo Jima and Inchon Bay. America is
home to 25 million military veterans -- and we will always be grateful for
their unselfish courage.

Today, a new generation of Americans is defending our freedom against
determined enemies. At posts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and around the world,
our men and women in uniform are taking the fight to the terrorists
overseas, so that we do not have to face the terrorists here at home. And
by freeing millions from oppression, our Armed Forces are redeeming a
universal principle of the Declaration that all are created equal, and all
are meant to be free. Those who serve today are taking their rightful place
among the greatest generations that have worn our nation's uniform.

The burden of war falls especially hard on military families, and I thank
them for the support they give our troops in their vital work. Some of
America's finest men and women have given their lives in the war on terror,
and we remember them on Independence Day. We pray for the families who have
lost a loved one in freedom's cause. And we know that the best way to honor
the lives that have been given in this struggle is to complete the mission,
so we will stay in the fight until the fight is won.

In this time of testing, all our troops and their families can know that
the American people are behind them. On this Fourth of July weekend, I ask
every American to find a way to thank men and women defending our freedom
-- by flying the flag, sending letters to our troops in the field, and
helping the military family down the street. The Department of Defense has
set up a website - AmericaSupportsYou.mil. You can go there to learn about
private efforts in your own community. At this time when we celebrate our
freedom, we will stand with the men and women who defend us all.

In the summer of 1776, John Adams called the American Revolution "the most
complete, unexpected, and remarkable of any in the history of nations." And
229 years later, history has proved him right. The Fourth of July is a day
to be proud of our heritage as freedom's home and defender. It is a day to
be confident in the future, because the spirit of our founders still shapes
the conscience of our country. Above all, it is a day to give thanks to God
for His many blessings on America, and for the privilege to call ourselves
citizens of this special land.

I hope all Americans enjoy a memorable and safe Independence Day
celebration. Thank you for listening.

END
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