A day in the life of President Bush (5/13/07): pics of Jamestown 400th Anniversary

WhiteHouse.gov & Yahoo News ^ | 5/13/07

[Wolfstar]

PRESIDENTIAL NEWS OF THE DAY: President and Mrs. Bush spent most of the weekend in Washington. However, they did travel to Jamestown, Virigina, today to attend the ceremonies marking the 400th Anniversary of the founding of the Jamestown settlement. Here is the AP story as published on the FOX News website:

President Bush Celebrates Jamestown's 400th Anniversary
JAMESTOWN, Virginia, May 13, 2007

(AP) Fond of promoting the endurance of freedom, President George W. Bush on Sunday hailed America's humble beginnings as a reminder that new democracies require huge sacrifice.

"From our own history, we know the path to democracy is long and it's hard," Bush said in a ceremony honoring the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, America's first permanent English colony.

"There are many challenges, and there are setbacks along the way," Bush said. "Yet we can have confidence in the outcome because we've seen freedom's power to transform societies."

The President also did something that possibly may be a first for a U.S. president when he conducted the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Apparently, he did a pretty good job at it, too. So President Bush has a musical side. Who knew. :)

Bush playfully conducts orchestra in Va.
By SONJA BARISIC, Associated Press Writer
Sun May 13, 3:20 PM ET

JAMESTOWN, Va. - JoAnn Falletta was doing what a conductor should — concentrating on the orchestra in front of her. No wonder it took her a few seconds on Sunday to realize someone behind her was motioning for a try.

"Smiling at me kind of devilishly," Falletta said.

She gave him her baton and stepped aside.

Gesturing exuberantly, the president led the orchestra during part of its performance of "Stars and Stripes Forever."

"We didn't expect him to know the score so well," Falletta said afterward. "He was not shy about conducting at all. He conducted with a great deal of panache."

That was the music played for Bush's exit after his speech at a ceremony commemorating the founding 400 years ago of Jamestown, America's first permanent English settlement.

Just before the music ended, Bush turned to Falletta, who stood on a step below him, kissed the top of her head and left without saying a word.

The 400-strong orchestra was made up of about 50 members of the Virginia Symphony, plus musicians from youth orchestras around the country. The switch in conductors was impromptu, said Falletta, the symphony's music director.

"I think he may have just been seized by the desire to conduct the orchestra," she said.

Falletta did not spot Bush until alerted by a musician.

"I'm embarrassed now that I didn't notice him, but I was just thinking of the music," she said.

Bush stepped onto the podium and took over.

The musicians were impressed by how musical Bush was, Falletta said. "He was cueing the brass, he was cueing the percussion, he kept the tempo going," she said.

Bill Fearnside, a violinist with the Virginia Symphony, put down his instrument and picked up a camera to record the moment.

"It was a little shocking, but it was fun," Fearnside said.

THE WEEK AHEAD:

— Monday, the President has no public events scheduled. First Lady Laura Bush participates in a roundtable discussion on women and heart disease at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC

— Tuesday, the President meets with Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt in the Oval Office. He also delivers remarks at the Annual Peace Officers’ Memorial Service in the Capitol.

— Wednesday, President Bus welcomes his friend, British Prime Minister Tony Blair to White House. (I believe this may be their last meeting in the White House before Mr. Blair retires from office.)

— Thursday, GWB meets with British Prime Minister Tony Blair in the Oval Office. Later, the two leaders will participate in a joint media availability in the Rose Garden.

— Friday, the first couple will be at their Prairie Chappel Ranch in Crawford, Texas.

EXTENDED SCHEDULE:

— May 20-21, 2007: President Bush hosts NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer at his ranch in Crawford, TX.

— May 23, 2007: President Bush delivers the commencement address to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT.

[Wolfstar]

Happy Mother's Day to all moms associated in any way with the Dose community.

[Wolfstar]

Pinging you to a Sunday evening Dose.

[hoosierpearl]

Hi

[Sunshine55]

Happy Mother’s Day!

[hoosierpearl]

Do you know, it came up as an error when I tried to post a blank reply. I thought we used to be able to do that.

Thanks for the dose tonight, haven’t read it yet but I will go back and do that now.

[Wolfstar]

PHOTO OF THE DAY: President Bush directs the Virginia Symphony Orchestra after making remarks during the ceremonies.

[ODC-GIRL]

Checking in LIVE for a change. Such a rare thing these days. Happy Mother’s Day to all it applies to!

[Wolfstar]

The musicians were surprised, but they said he did a pretty good job.

[snugs]

Good evening and thanks for the dose

[Wolfstar]

President Bush looks toward conductor JoAnn Falletta as he directs the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

President Bush welcomes orchestra conductor JoAnn Falletta back to the conductor's platform after directing the orchestra during ceremonies marking the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown.

[Wolfstar]

The President inspects an old pistol, shown by expert Greg Schneck, at a display of 17th century weapons during a tour of Jamestown settlement in Virginia, May 13, 2007.

[snugs]

Hello - long time no speak how are you and your daughters?

[Wolfstar]

Hmmmm...think I can borrow this? There's this botoxed dummy from California that I'd like to use for a little target practice.

[snugs]

That changed a couple of months or so ago

[Wolfstar]

The President and First Lady view a display of 17th Century weapons presented by reenactor Greg Schneck. The couple was accompanied by former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor (in red with white hat).

[Wolfstar]

President Bush boards the Susan Constant, a replica of one of the three ships that sailed from England to Virginia in the early 17th century.

GWB with reenactors aboard the Susan Constant.

[Wolfstar]

President Bush is introduced by former U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice, Sandra Day O'Connor, before speaking in Jamestown.

Addressing the crowd.

[snugs]

Congratulations on winning the weekend toaster

[Wolfstar]

The President seemed to be enjoying this visit considerably. For those who aren't aware of it, our Dubya is a history buff.

President Bush and first lady Laura Bush (L) pose with actors in period costume during a visit to the Jamestown settlement in Virginia May 13, 2007.

[Wolfstar]

The President helps an actor in period costume adjust his wind-blown hair during a tour of the dockside at Jamestown settlement.

[Wolfstar]

These are cool shots. :)

[Wolfstar]

Big crowd was there for the President's speech.

[Wolfstar]

President and Mrs. Bush have a little help onstage to place items in a time capsule.

[Wolfstar]

President Bush discusses the length of sailmaker Josiah Freitus' needle as Virginia Governor Tim Kaine (L) looks on during a tour of the dockside at Jamestown settlement in Virginia, May 13, 2007.

The first couple, Virginia governor and other dignitaries take a walking tour of the Jamestown Settlement today.

[snugs]

The last photo will be one to appeal to you

[Wolfstar]

President Bush talks with Bill Kelso, third from left, director of archeology for the Association for the Preservation of Virginia, as they tour an archeological dig.

The President and First Lady get a first-hand look as archaeologists work at the historic Jamestown site.

President Bush with Michael Lavin, senior conservator at Jamestown.

[mystery-ak]

Great Pics tonight Wolfstar...thank you...Jamestown..been there done that...fascinating.

[Wolfstar]

President Bush waves to the crowd along with his wife Laura and children Jumanne Brown, front left , Hanna Kortiche, back left, and Judson Carmichael, center, during ceremonies marking the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown in Jamestown, Va., Sunday, May 13, 2007.

The first couple wave to the crowd as they arrive on stage for the official ceremonies.

Seated beside Anne Holton (2nd R), the wife of Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, and former Supreme Court Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

[Wolfstar]

The obligatory waves to the media on arrival back at the White House this afternoon.

[dmd25]

How funny! GWB is a man of many talents!

Thanks for the Dose, Wolfstar. What a pleasant way to end the day.

[Wolfstar]

Arriving on the South Lawn.

GWB looks a little tired here.

But he's seldom too tired to greet White House visitors.

[Wolfstar]

The first couple leave the White House early this morning for their trip to Jamestown, Virginia.

[ODC-GIRL]

I have visited Jamestown and been on board these replica ships. They are really, unbelievably tiny. So hard to imagine crossing the ocean packed onto one of them, going into the unknown.

These are great pictures. Thanks!

[Wolfstar]

Historical interpreters dressed in period dress walk inside James Fort at Jamestown settlement today.

The ship Discovery is seen moored to a pier at Jamestown settlement in Jamestown, Virginia, today.

[Wolfstar]

Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, Liz Cheney, are greeted by Egyptian officials upon their arrival Sunday, May 13, 2007, to Cairo, where the Vice President held one-on-one meetings with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi.

The Vice President is greeted by Hozni Mubarak.

[Wolfstar]

Vice President Dick Cheney gestures during a meeting with Egyptian Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi Sunday, May 13, 2007, at the Presidential Palace in Cairo.

[Wolfstar]

ALL CLEAR!

[Wolfstar]

Good evening, hoosierpearl. :)

[Wolfstar]

Happy Mother’s Day!

Thanks Sunshine. And the same to you and yours. :)

[Wolfstar]

Do you know, it came up as an error when I tried to post a blank reply. I thought we used to be able to do that.

Just type a single period, then post. That works.

[Wolfstar]

Checking in LIVE for a change.

I'm glad you're here. :)

[Wolfstar]

Good evening, snugs. Some new photos of the VP for you. How’s your dad? Is he home now?

[Wolfstar]

Great Pics tonight Wolfstar...thank you

Hi mystery. How did your Mother's Day go. What's the word from your heroes?

[daddypatriot]

I have enjoyed reading all the comments and viewing the pictures of the Jamestown event. I am a bit of a history buff, and my ancestors migrated into South Carolina from Virginia more than 100 years before my birth (1932). I often ask myself what would America be like today if the ones who made this perilous voyage to a new world had been of Mideastern origin. Do you think they could have turned this nation into the world power it is today? Or would they have been too busy killing infidels to waste time with mighty skyscrapers, airports, hospitals, highways, space shuttles, railways, medical centers, and the list goes on and on.........

[mystery-ak]

He called me this morning but could only talk for a few seconds because of the lines to use the phones....would you like to see the lates pic?

[snugs]

Sounds like a great place to visit when I was in the States in 1997 I visited the Plymouth Plantation which I very much enjoyed.

[Wolfstar]

How funny! GWB is a man of many talents!

I love the pics of him conducting the orchestra. Notice how he held his thumb and forefinger in some of the shots. So cool. I never would have figured him for having any musicality at all.

Jonny, you'll enjoy these photos of President Bush conducting the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. :)

[dmd25]

FOXFANVOX posted earlier today that Tony Snow gave the commencement Address at The Catholic University of America yesterday. It is an excellent read! Thank you so much, FOXFANVOX for letting us know about it!

Tony Snow's Commencement Address 070512

[snugs]

[Wolfstar]

I have visited Jamestown and been on board these replica ships. They are really, unbelievably tiny. So hard to imagine crossing the ocean packed onto one of them, going into the unknown.

The bravery of those early settlers is breathtaking. Makes our modern-day whining about this or that seem awfully small by comparison. :)