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Skriven 2006-06-19 23:34:20 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0606191) for Mon, 2006 Jun 19
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President Delivers Commencement Address at the United States Merchant
Marine Academy
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 19, 2006

President Delivers Commencement Address at the United States Merchant
Marine Academy
Captain Tomb Field at Brooks Stadium
United States Merchant Marine Academy
Kings Point, New York



10:07 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you for the warm welcome -- if you know what I mean.
(Laughter.) Admiral Stewart, Secretary Mineta, members of the United States
Congress, Academy staff and faculty, distinguished guests, proud family
members, and most importantly, the Class of 2006. I'm honored to be the
first President to address the United States Merchant Marine Academy. I
know that a presidential visit to Kings Point has been a long time in
coming. And, Admiral, I hope it's worth the wait. (Laughter and applause.)

This is a proud moment for the Class of 2006. You have worked hard for this
day. You sweated through the hardest indoc in Academy history; you braved
the Jamaican beef patties of Delano Hall -- (applause.) You spent a year
when your classroom was a ship and your campus the Seven Seas; you've made
it through endless drills on the Grinder; you've survived the restriction
musters that come with missing the train back from Manhattan. (Applause.)
This fall, your football team brought home the Secretaries Cup by beating
the Coast Guard. (Applause.) You've rung the bell outside Wiley Hall. And
the words etched in your class ring affirm your commitment to teamwork:
"Not for you, not for me, but for us." Your parents are proud of you, your
teachers are proud of you, and this Academy is proud of you. On behalf of
the American people, I congratulate you on a fine achievement, and I thank
you for choosing to serve the United States of America. (Applause.)

This morning, I flew here on Air Force One with my friend, Andy Card. You
might remember Andy -- he was my former chief of staff, and he attended
this Academy in the 1960s. (Applause.) It just so happens when he was a
plebe, he was stuffed in a duffel bag and run up the flagpole. (Laughter.)
I know he appreciates the much warmer welcome he received here today.
(Laughter.)

Secretary Card also reminded me that the President of the United States has
the authority to lift all demerits and restrictions. So I bring you a
graduation present. (Laughter.) In keeping with the longstanding tradition
at our nation's service academies, I hereby absolve all midshipmen who are
on restriction for minor conduct offenses -- I leave it to Admiral Stewart
to define exactly what "minor" means. (Laughter and applause.)

Life at this Academy is demanding -- and it is meant to be. America is a
great maritime power, and our Merchant Marine has a vital role to play. In
times of peace, the Merchant Marine helps ensure our economic security by
keeping the oceans open to trade. In times of war, the Merchant Marine is
the lifeline of our troops overseas, carrying critical supplies, equipment,
and personnel. For more than six decades, the mission of this Academy has
been to graduate highly skilled mariners to serve America's economic and
national security needs. To train you for these responsibilities, this
Academy sharpens your mind, it strengthens your body, and builds up your
character. The Academy has made you strong and instilled respect for the
Kings Point motto -- Acta Non Verba -- "Deeds, Not Words."

"Deeds, Not Words" was the hallmark of this Academy in World War II. In the
early years of the war, America's efforts to supply our allies in Europe
were threatened by the U-boats that were sinking American ships faster than
we could build them. The need to arm and defend our merchant ships was
urgent, and King Pointers answered the call. One of them was an 18-year-old
named Edwin O'Hara, whose statue stands not far from here. In September
1942, Cadet O'Hara was serving on the USS Stephen Hopkins when it came
under attack from two Nazi raiders. After the entire gun crew of the
Hopkins was killed by enemy fire, O'Hara singlehandedly served and fired
the last five shells in the ready box, scoring direct hits on the German
warship Stier. Cadet O'Hara was mortally wounded in the action, but not
before he helped send the Stier to the bottom of the South Atlantic.

Edwin O'Hara is one of 142 Academy graduates who gave their lives in the
second world war. Today Kings Point is still the only one of our five
service academies that sends its students into the theaters of war -- and
for that reason, it is the only Academy authorized to fly a Battle
Standard. (Applause.)

"Deeds, Not Words" was your response on the morning of September the 11th,
2001. From this campus, every man and woman could see the black smoke
rising from the Twin Towers. Within hours, your midshipmen were working
side-by-side with the Coast Guard and marine division of the New York City
Fire Department. Over the next nine days, you moved firefighters and police
and emergency response teams into Ground Zero. You moved tons of food and
water and supplies. The heroic response to that terrible day showed the
spirit of America -- and the spirit of this fine Academy. And I thank you
for your service. (Applause.)

"Deeds, Not Words" defines the Academy's role in the global war on terror.
Your cadets are forward deployed in the Middle East, where they're
supporting operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Your Global Maritime and
Transportation School is providing advanced training in areas from marine
engineering to port security for military units like the Navy Seabees and
Surface Warfare Officers. And your graduates are serving our nation in
every branch of our Armed Services, as sailors projecting American combat
power across the Earth; as Marines and soldiers leading platoons from
Khandahar to Tikrit; as Coast Guard officers securing our homeland; and as
airmen delivering justice to terrorists hiding in safe houses and caves. In
the global war on terror, the men and women of this Academy are making a
difference on every front -- and the American people are grateful for your
service. (Applause.)

To win the war on terror, we will continue to build and strengthen ties
with our friends and allies across the world. America's alliance with
Europe is a key pillar of our strategy for victory. And tomorrow, Laura and
I will depart on my 15th trip to Europe since I have taken office. This
visit comes at a critical moment for America and our allies. We have
important decisions to make that will affect the prospects for peace and
prosperity across the world. And today I'm going to talk to you about the
objectives I will pursue on this important trip.

My first stop will be Vienna, where I will attend the annual summit between
the United States and the European Union. And then I'm going to travel to
Budapest to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution.
And I'm really looking forward to the trip. Americans have strong ties to
the European people. We have warm friendships with European nations. And on
my trip this week, we will strengthen our close and growing partnership
with the European Union.

America's partnership with the European Union grows from sturdy roots --
our common love of freedom, and our commitment to democratic principles.
Those of you graduating today have grown up with a Europe whose major
powers are at peace with one another. Yet in the sweep of history, this is
a dramatic change. There was a time in history when Europe was the site of
bloody conflicts and bitter rivalries. As recently as the last century,
Europe was the site of two devastating world wars. Now, because generations
have sacrificed for liberty and built strong democracies, the nations of
Europe are partners in common union, and neighbors on a continent that's
whole, free, and at peace.

A free and peaceful Europe is one of the great achievements of the past
century. My generation, and yours, will be judged by what comes next. So
America and Europe must work together to advance freedom and democracy. We
will cooperate to expand trade and prosperity. We will strengthen our
efforts to combat terrorism. And we will stand together to stop the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. (Applause.)

Our work begins with a common commitment to extending the reach of freedom
and democracy. On Prime Minister Blair's recent visit to America, he said:
"The governments of the world do not all believe in freedom. But the people
of the world do." As people who have secured our own freedom, America and
Europe have a duty to help others do the same. (Applause.) We're fulfilling
that duty together in Belarus, where we support the reformers seeking to
erase the stain of dictatorship from Europe. We're fulfilling that duty
together in Georgia and Ukraine, where we stand with brave people striving
to consolidate democratic gains. We're fulfilling that duty together in the
Balkans, where people who have suffered so much have made a choice to live
in liberty, and should be welcomed as a part of Europe in the 21st century.

As we saw on September the 11, 2001, the actions of a repressive regime
thousands of miles away can have a direct impact on our own security. In
this new century, the loss of freedom anywhere is a blow to freedom
everywhere. And when freedom advances, people gain an alternative to
violence, and the prospects for peace are multiplied and all nations become
more secure. So America and Europe have launched bold initiatives to aid
democratic reformers across the world, especially in the broader Middle
East. We've worked with the United Nations to end the Syrian occupation of
Lebanon -- and we will not rest until the Lebanese people enjoy full
independence. (Applause.) We're determined to end the conflict in the Holy
Land and bring about a solution with two democratic states, Israel and
Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security. (Applause.)

Our shared commitment to extending freedom and democracy is clear in
Afghanistan and Iraq. Together America and Europe have helped bring about a
historic transformation in those countries. Two of the world's most
dangerous regimes have been removed from power, and the world is better off
for it. (Applause.) Al Qaida's training camps have been closed in
Afghanistan. Al Qaida's leader in Iraq has been killed. (Applause.) Two
violent dictatorships are being replaced with growing democracies that
answer to their people, that respect their neighbors, and that serve as
allies in the war on terror. Afghanistan and Iraq are taking their rightful
place in the free world -- and America and Europe must work tirelessly to
help them succeed. (Applause.)

One week ago today, I left Camp David and flew to the capital of a free and
democratic Iraq. (Applause.) In Baghdad I met with Prime Minister Maliki
and members of his cabinet. The Prime Minister is a man of strong
character; he has a clear and practical plan to lead his country forward.
He briefed me on the immediate steps he's taking to improve security in
Baghdad, to build up Iraq's economy and to reach out to the international
community.

The formation of a new government and successful raids on al Qaeda targets
in Iraq have created a moment of opportunity. Iraqis must seize this moment
-- and we will help them succeed. I assured the Prime Minister that when
America gives a commitment, America will keep its word. (Applause.) By
helping Prime Minister Maliki's new government achieve its aims, we will
expand opportunity for all the Iraqi people, we will inflict a major defeat
on the terrorists, and we will show the world the power of a thriving
democracy in the heart of the Middle East. (Applause.)

A free and sovereign Iraq requires the strong support of Europe. And some
of the most important support for Iraqis is coming from European
democracies with recent memories of tyranny -- Poland and Hungary and
Romania and Bulgaria and the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Georgia, Ukraine,
Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. Others in Europe have had disagreements
with our decisions on Iraq. Yet we've all watched the Iraqi people stand up
for their freedom -- and we agree that the success of a democratic
government in Baghdad is vital for the Iraqis and for the security of the
world.

The European Union has been the world's most -- among the world's most
generous financial donors for reconstruction in Iraq. And Europe and
America will encourage greater international support to help Prime Minister
Maliki implement his plans for recovery. The international community has
pledged about $13 billion to help this new government. Yet only $3.5
billion has been paid. This is a critical time for Iraq's young democracy,
and assistance from the international community will make an immediate
difference. All nations that have pledged money have a responsibility to
keep their pledges -- and America and Europe will work together to ensure
they do so. (Applause.)

America and Europe also stand together in our determination to widen the
circle of prosperity. We're cooperating on projects to develop clean,
secure energy sources, especially alternatives to fossil fuel. (Applause.)
On the continent of Africa, we're working to strengthen democracy, relieve
debt, fight disease, and end the genocide in Darfur. (Applause.) At the
World Trade Organization, we're working to lower trade barriers by
concluding the Doha talks. America has made a bold proposal to eliminate
trade-distorting agriculture subsidies and tariffs -- and I call on Europe
to join us, so we can set an example of free and fair trade for the world.
(Applause.) By spreading prosperity, America and Europe will create new
opportunities for our people, to help alleviate poverty, and deliver hope
and dignity and progress to millions across the world. (Applause.)

Together America and Europe are laying the foundations for a future of
peace and prosperity. And yet the terrorists are threatening this progress.
So at our summit this week, we'll take new steps to strengthen our
cooperation on counterterrorism, to improve transportation security, and to
crack down on terrorist financing. And we will renew our commitment to
support the voices of peace and moderation in the Muslim world, to help
provide a hopeful alternative to radicalism. America and Europe must stand
united in this war on terror. (Applause.) By being steadfast, and by being
strong, we will defeat the enemies of freedom. (Applause.)

America and Europe are also united on one of the most difficult challenges
facing the world today, the behavior of the regime in Iran. The leaders of
Iran sponsor terror, deny liberty and human rights to their people, and
threaten the existence of our ally, Israel. And by pursuing nuclear
activities that mask its effort to acquire nuclear weapons, the regime is
acting in defiance of its treaty obligations, of the United Nations
Security Council, and of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Nuclear
weapons in the hands of this regime would be a grave threat to people
everywhere.

I've discussed the problem of the Iranian regime extensively with leaders
in Europe, particularly in Great Britain and Germany and France. I've also
consulted closely with the Presidents of Russia and China. We've all agreed
on a unified approach to solve this problem diplomatically. The United
States has offered to come to the table with our partners and meet with
Iran's representatives -- as soon as the Iranian regime fully and
verifiably suspends its uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities.
(Applause.) Iran's leaders have a clear choice. We hope they will accept
our offer and voluntarily suspend these activities, so we can work out an
agreement that will bring Iran real benefits. If Iran's leaders reject our
offer, it will result in action before the Security Council, further
isolation from the world, and progressively stronger political and economic
sanctions.

I've a message for the Iranian regime: America and our partners are united.
We have presented a reasonable offer. Iran's leaders should see our
proposal for what it is -- an historic opportunity to set their country on
a better course. If Iran's leaders want peace and prosperity and a more
hopeful future for their people, they should accept our offer, abandon any
ambitions to obtain nuclear weapons, and come into compliance with their
international obligations.

I've a message for the Iranian people: The United States respects you and
your country. We admire your rich history, your vibrant culture, and your
many contributions to civilization. When Cyrus the Great led the Iranian
people more than 2,500 years ago, he delivered one of the world's first
declarations of individual rights, including the right to worship God in
freedom. Through the centuries, Iranians have achieved distinction in
medicine and science and poetry and philosophy, and countless other fields.

In the 21st century, the people of Iran, especially the talented and
educated youth, are among the world's leaders in science and technology.
Iranians have a large presence on the Internet, and a desire to make even
greater progress, including the development of civilian nuclear energy.
This is a legitimate desire. We believe the Iranian people should enjoy the
benefits of a truly peaceful program to use nuclear reactors to generate
electric power. So America supports the Iranian people's rights to develop
nuclear energy peacefully, with proper international safeguards.

The people of Iran, like people everywhere, also want and deserve an
opportunity to determine their own future, an economy that rewards their
intelligence and talents, and a society that allows them to pursue their
dreams. I believe Iranians would thrive if they were given more
opportunities to travel and study abroad, and do business with the rest of
the world. Here in the United States, Iranian Americans have used their
freedom to advance in society and make tremendous contributions in areas
from business to medicine, to academics.

To help provide more opportunities for the people of Iran, we will look for
new ways to increase contact between Americans and Iranians, especially in
education and culture, sports and tourism. We'll provide more than $75
million this year to promote openness and freedom for the Iranian people.
These funds will allow us to expand and improve radio and television
broadcasts to the people of Iran. These funds will support Iranian human
rights advocates and civil society organizations. And these funds will
promote student and faculty exchanges, so we can build bridges of
understanding between our people.

Americans believe the future of Iran will be decided by the people of Iran
-- and we believe that future can be one of progress and prosperity and
achievement. We look forward to the day when our nations are friends, and
when the people of Iran enjoy the full fruits of liberty, and play a
leading role to establish peace in our world. (Applause.)

The advance of freedom is the calling of our time -- and the men and women
of the United States Merchant Marine Academy are answering that call. In a
few moments, you'll walk through Vickery Gate and leave the Academy that's
been your home. You leave with a bachelor's degree, a license as a Merchant
Marine officer, and a commission in one of the branches of our Armed
Services. And you leave with something else: The great truth that duty and
honor and courage are not just words; they are virtues that sustain a free
people, people who are determined to live under self-government. They're
the virtues that will be your anchor and compass in a life of purpose and
service. These are the virtues that America demands of those entrusted with
leading her sons and daughters in uniform. And these are the virtues that
America has come to expect from the blue and grey.

We see the devotion to duty and honor and country in the life of one of
this Academy's finest graduates, Aaron Seesan. Aaron was an Ohio boy who
grew up dreaming of being a soldier. He brought that dream with him to this
Academy -- and when he walked through these gates three years ago, he
carried on his shoulders the gold bar of a second lieutenant in the United
States Army. After entering the Army, Lieutenant Seesan trained as a combat
engineer. And he was serving at Fort Lewis, Washington, when a group of
soldiers who were based at the fort were struck by a suicide bomb in Iraq.
Two of the men were killed. And that's when this young lieutenant
volunteered to go to Iraq to take the place of a wounded platoon leader.

When Lieutenant Seesan arrived in Iraq, some of his fellow soldiers
wondered what was the Army thinking. His platoon sergeant said, "I didn't
know what the hell a Merchant Marine graduate was doing here in the 73rd
Engineering Company." The sergeant quickly changed his mind when he saw
Lieutenant Seesan in action, taking care of his men as they patrolled the
most dangerous roads in and around Mosul. In May 2005, he was leading a
routine sweep of a city street when a bomb exploded and hit the fuel tank
of his Humvee. Those who were with him recall his last words: "Take charge,
Sergeant Arnold, and take care of the others."

He died on May 22 -- on National Maritime Day. For his act of bravery,
Lieutenant Seesan was awarded the Bronze Star. And the campus memorial that
bears his name will remind all who come here of Kings Point commitment to
service above self.

Aaron Seesan gave his life freely. While still in high school, he wrote a
poem that now seems prophetic. He wrote, "Mourn not my terrible death, but
celebrate my cause in life." Aaron's cause in life was freedom, and as you
take your place as officers in our Armed Forces, I ask you to celebrate the
freedom for which Aaron fought and died.

America has invested in you, and she has high expectations. My call to you
is this: Trust your instincts, and use the skills you were taught here to
give back to your nation. Do not be afraid of mistakes; learn from them.
Show leadership and character in whatever you do. The world lies before
you. I ask you to go forth with faith in America, and confidence in the
eternal promise of liberty.

In all that lies ahead, I wish you fair winds and following seas. As I look
out at the men and women before me, I will leave here knowing that you will
bring honor to our nation, and to this Academy that has prepared you for
the challenges you will face. May God steer thee well, Kings Point. And may
God bless America. (Applause.)

END 10:39 A.M. EDT

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