Posted on 11/21/2005 5:27:48 PM PST by snugs
President Bush and first lady Laura Bush conclude their far eastern tour by visiting Mongolia being the first serving President to visit that country. After visiting Mongolia they flew back the USA.
The Vice President gave a speech on the War on Terror at the American Enterprise Insitute in Washington.
Last Friday Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld concluded his Australian visit and on his return to the US did the rounds of Sunday talk shows.
Enjoy your visit to Sanity Island
QUOTE OF THE DAY
President Discusses Freedom and Democracy in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Conference Hall
Government House
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
THE PRESIDENT: Amar bain uu? (Applause.) Thanks for the warm welcome. And, Mr. President, thank you for your hospitality. I thank you, the Prime Minister, and the government for such gracious hospitality. I want to thank the First Lady for being so kind to Laura. It is really, really an honor to be here in your great country. And we bring with us the good wishes of the American people.
I'm here on an important international mission. Secretary Rumsfeld asked me to check on his horse. (Laughter.) I feel very much at home here in your country. This is a beautiful land, with huge skies and vast horizons -- kind of like Texas. (Applause.) I thank you for the invitation. I'm honored to be the first sitting American President to visit Mongolia, and America is proud to call you the third neighbor. (Applause.)
Fifteen years ago, Mongolians gathered outside this great hall by the thousands, braving sub-zero temperatures and defying a repressive regime, to demand their liberty. The protesters included students and workers and monks, and a group of young democrats on a hunger strike. By the force of their convictions, they drove the communist leadership from power. Within months, free elections were held, and a free Mongolia was born. And today, one of the young hunger strikers who stood vigil outside the building now serves as the Prime Minister of your great nation. (Applause.)
Mongolia has made the transition from communism to freedom, and in just 15 years, you've established a vibrant democracy and opened up your economy. You're an example of success for this region and for the world. I know the transition to liberty has not always been easy and Americans admire your patience and your determination. By your daily efforts, you're building a better life for your children and your grandchildren. And I've come to tell you, as you build a free society in the heart of Central Asia, the American people stand with you. (Applause.)
Earlier this year, when a terrible hurricane struck my nation's Gulf Coast, the Mongolian people stood with us. Even before the flood waters had fully receded, your government pledged aid, and a group of business leaders in Mongolia raised additional money. These funds are helping to rebuild shattered lives in my country. In a time of tragedy for America, Mongolia showed her compassionate heart, and my country thanks you for your support and friendship. (Applause.)
Americans and Mongolians have much in common. Both our nations were settled by pioneers on horseback who tamed the rugged plains. Both our nations shook the yoke of colonial rule, and built successful free societies. And both our nations know that our responsibilities in freedom's cause do not end at our borders, and that survival of liberty in our own lands increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands.
In Iraq, Mongolian forces have helped make possible a stunning transformation. Earlier this year, Iraqis went to the polls and chose their leaders in free elections. Last month, they returned to the polls and approved a democratic constitution for a free Iraq. And in a few weeks time, Iraqis will vote once again to choose a fully constitutional government to lead them for the next four years. With their ballots, the Iraqi people are sending a clear message: There will be no return to the days of tyranny and terror; the future of Iraq belongs to freedom. (Applause.)
Next year, your country will celebrate the 800th anniversary of the founding of Mongolia. There's a legend of a Mongolian woman who gave each of her five sons an arrow. She told each to break the arrow in his hand, which they did. She then tied the five arrows together, and told each to try and break the bundle. None could do it. And she told them, brothers who stand alone, like single arrow shafts, can be broken by anyone; but brothers who stand together, like a bundle of arrows, cannot be broken. Today, Mongolia and the United States are standing together as brothers in the cause of freedom. (Applause.) And if free nations remain united, no force of tyranny or terror will break us.
I've come here to thank you for your contributions to freedom's cause and to tell you that the American people appreciate your courage and value your friendship. And on behalf of all Americans, ikh bayarlalaa. (Applause.) And may God bless your wonderful country. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
PHOTO OF THE DAY
President George W. Bush poses for photos with a Mongolia horseman and other participants of a cultural event in Ikh Tenger, near the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, during a visit Monday, Nov. 21, 2005, by the President and Mrs. Bush
Hi
Dose going up please wait until all clear is given before posting or re-posting photos or graphics - a lot of photos today.
Dose going up please wait until all clear is given before posting or re-posting photos or graphics - a lot of photos today.
Hey.
Good evening
hello
Sorry for double ping - computer too quick for me LOL
Hello. I received a nice surprise in my mailbox today: the 2006 RNC Calendar. It has some really nice pics of our President and First Lady!
President George W. Bush (L) and First Lady Laura (R) wave upon their departure on Air Force One from Beijing's Capital International Airport
President and Mrs. Bush wave from the top of the steps as they deplane Air Force One Monday, Nov. 21, 2005, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The stop marks the first time a working U.S. president has visited the country
A sign welcoming "George and Laura" to Mongolia adorns a building at Buyant-Ukhaa Airport in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, as the President and First Lady arrived on the last stop of their Asia tour.
President George W. Bush (L) is welcomed by Mongolia's President Nambaryn Enkhbayar during an arrival ceremony in Ulan Bator, Mongolia. Bush became the first sitting US president to visit Mongolia, in a show of support for a fledgling democracy that has sent troops to Iraq and Afghanistan
President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush stand with a child in traditional attire during an arrival ceremony at Government House in Ulan Bator November 21, 2005
A young boy delivers a bouquet of flowers to Mrs. Bush Monday, Nov. 21, 2005, as she and President Bush joined Mongolia's President and First Lady in ceremonies in Ulaanbaatar welcoming the Bushes to Mongolia.
President George W. Bush (L) and Mongolia's President Nambaryn Enkhbayar look on as Mongolian girls deliver a bouquet to U.S. first lady Laura Bush (not pictured) during an arrival ceremony at Government House in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, November 21, 2005
President George W. Bush waves as first lady Laura Bush receives a bouquet from a Mongolian girl during an arrival ceremony at Government House in Ulan Bator Mongolia, November 21, 2005
President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush (L) stand with Mongolian President Nambariin Enkhbayar (2nd R) and first lady Tsolmon Onon (R) during an arrival ceremony at Government House in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, November 21, 2005.
President George W. Bush (R) reviews an honor guard with Mongolia's President Nambariin Enkhbayar at Government House in Ulan Bator November 21, 2005
Outer Mongolia, cool!
They have neat uniforms - very colorful!
With a statue of Genghis Khan behind them U.S. President George W. Bush, left, meets with Mongolian President Nambaryn Enkhbayar at Government House in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, Monday, Nov. 21, 2005
President George W. Bush, left, meets with Mongolian Prime Minister Tsakhia Elbegdorj in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, Monday, Nov. 21, 2005
President George W. Bush, left, is introduced by Mongolian President Nambaryn Enkhbayar before making a speech at Government House in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, Monday, Nov. 21, 2005
President George W. Bush delivers a speech in the Mongolian parliament in Ulan Bator November 21, 2005
U.S. President George W. Bush waves to parliamentarians after his speech in the Mongolian parliament in Ulan Bator November 21, 2005
President George W. Bush waves to parliamentarians as he walks with his Mongolian counterpart Nambariin Enkhbayar (R) in the Mongolian parliament in Ulan Bator November 21, 2005.
There are some beautiful photos tonight some of the most colourful I think I have posted.
I wonder if I got one. Probably not. Do you know much it is that you have to donate to get a calendar?
That's a neat way to package a bouquet of flowers!
Those children are so precious!
Maybe when you don't see the sun that much, you make things around you very colorful to feel like it's there???
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.