President Bush assured thousands of Navy sailors, officers and Marine troops Tuesday that America would not rest until it defeats the enemy that attacked on Sept. 11, 2001.
Against a backdrop of military men and women dressed in Navy whites, Bush drew parallels between the war on terror and World War II as he commemorated the 60th anniversary of Japan's surrender during his speech at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, outside San Diego.
"As we mark this anniversary, we are again a nation at war. Once again war came to our shores with a surprise attack that killed thousands in cold blood," he said under overcast skies. He said that as in the time of World War II, the United States now faces "a ruthless enemy" and "once again we will not rest until victory is America's and our freedom is secure."
Following his 35-minute speech, Bush stopped at San Diego Naval Medical Center to award a Purple Heart to a wounded corpsman and talk with hospital staff and wounded servicemembers.
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Joe Ring of San Diego, who has served 16 months in the Middle East in the midst of the Iraq war, said the president's message was the right one.
"The Japanese bombed our fleet but the terrorists bombed our businessmen and businesswomen at work," Ring said. "It's the same threat."
Eugene Farrell, an 87-year-old who was one of many World War II veterans to attend the speech, said Bush's remarks would boost troop morale.
"Things like this completely overshadow what people outside the gates will do. Everyone here will walk out a little taller because of what the commander in chief told them," he said.
Navy Petty Officer Orlando Ortiz, who is stationed at Naval Air Station North Island and is heading to the Persian Gulf in February, agreed, saying that Bush's remarks were reassuring.
"I know it's not a popular war, but we still need to get it done," said Ortiz, 22, of Los Angeles.
Ben Harris, an 88-year-old retired Navy captain who flew blimps during World War II, praised the president for his determination to stay in Iraq.
"We've go to hang in there and get the job done," he said. "It's almost there. We can't give up."
1 comment:
And we will. The military still supports their commander in chief and the MSNM can't stand it.
Post a Comment