Radio Address by the President to the Nation, 04-09-05

WhiteHouse.gov ^ | 04-09-05 | George W. Bush

[Salvation]

For Immediate Release
April 9, 2005

President's Radio Address

     Audio

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This week I have been in Rome to attend the funeral mass of Pope John Paul II. The ceremonies were a powerful and moving reminder of the profound impact this Pope had on our world. And on behalf of America, Laura and I were honored to pay tribute to this good and holy man.

During nearly three decades on the Chair of St. Peter, this Pope brought the gospel's message of hope and love and freedom to the far corners of the Earth. And over this past week, millions of people across the world returned the Pope's gift with a tremendous outpouring of affection that transcended differences of nationality, language and religion.

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The call to freedom that defined his papacy was forged in the experiences of Pope John Paul's own life. He came to manhood during the Nazi occupation of his beloved Poland, when he eluded the Gestapo to attend an underground seminary. Later, when he was named Poland's youngest bishop, he came face to face with the other great totalitarianism of the 20th century: Communism. And soon he taught the communist rulers in Warsaw and Moscow that moral truth had legions of its own and a force greater than their armies and secret police.

That moral conviction gave the man from Krakow a confidence that inspired millions. In 1978, when he looked out at the crowd in front of St. Peter's as their new Pope, the square rang with his words "Be Not Afraid."

Everywhere he went, the Pope preached that the call of freedom is for every member of the human family because the Author of Life wrote it into our common human nature.

Many in the West underestimated the Pope's influence. But those behind the Iron Curtain knew better, and ultimately even the Berlin Wall could not withstand the gale force of this Polish Pope.

The Pope held a special affection for America. During his many visits to our country, he spoke of our providential Constitution, the self-evident truths about human dignity enshrined in our Declaration, and the blessings of liberty that followed from them. It is these timeless truths about man, enshrined in our founding, the Pope said, that have led freedom-loving people around the world to look to America with hope and respect. And he challenged America always to live up to its lofty calling. The Pope taught us that the foundation for human freedom is a universal respect for human dignity. On all his travels, John Paul preached that even the least among us bears the image of our Creator, so we must work for a society where the most vulnerable among us have the greatest claim on our protection.

And by his own courageous example in the face of illness and suffering, he showed us the path to a culture of life where the dignity of every human person is respected, and human life at all its stages is revered and treasured.

As the Pope grew physically weaker, his spiritual bond with young people grew stronger. They flocked to him in his final moments, gathering outside his window to pray and sing hymns and light candles. With them, we honor this son of Poland who became the Bishop of Rome, and a hero for the ages.

Thank you for listening.

[Salvation]

For your reading pleasure as well as your comments!

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[Salvation]

For the record:
Pope, Rome, Bush, Bush1, tribute, JohnPaulII, world, peace, Poland, fall, communism, Reagan, Chair of St. Peter, culture of life, how to die, freedom, Be Not Afraid

[MeekOneGOP]

bump!

[Salvation]

 

Everywhere he went, the Pope preached that the call of freedom is for every member of the human family because the Author of Life wrote it into our common human nature.

[Salvation]

John Paul II Gallery of Pictures [Photos]

[Salvation]

The two 'Happy Warriors'

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CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY WARRIOR
by William Wordsworth (1770-1850)

WHO is the happy Warrior? Who is he
That every man in arms should wish to be?

--It is the generous Spirit, who, when brought
Among the tasks of real life, hath wrought
Upon the plan that pleased his boyish thought:
Whose high endeavours are an inward light
That makes the path before him always bright:
Who, with a natural instinct to discern
What knowledge can perform, is diligent to learn;
Abides by this resolve, and stops not there,
But makes his moral being his prime care;
Who, doomed to go in company with Pain,
And Fear, and Bloodshed, miserable train!

Turns his necessity to glorious gain;
In face of these doth exercise a power
Which is our human nature's highest dower;
Controls them and subdues, transmutes, bereaves
Of their bad influence, and their good receives:
By objects, which might force the soul to abate
Her feeling, rendered more compassionate;
Is placable--because occasions rise
So often that demand such sacrifice;

More skilful in self-knowledge, even more pure,
As tempted more; more able to endure,
As more exposed to suffering and distress;
Thence, also, more alive to tenderness.
--'Tis he whose law is reason; who depends
Upon that law as on the best of friends;
Whence, in a state where men are tempted still
To evil for a guard against worse ill,
And what in quality or act is best
Doth seldom on a right foundation rest,

He labours good on good to fix, and owes
To virtue every triumph that he knows:
--Who, if he rise to station of command,
Rises by open means; and there will stand
On honourable terms, or else retire,
And in himself possess his own desire;
Who comprehends his trust, and to the same
Keeps faithful with a singleness of aim;

And therefore does not stoop, nor lie in wait
For wealth, or honours, or for worldly state;
Whom they must follow; on whose head must fall,
Like showers of manna, if they come at all:
Whose powers shed round him in the common strife,
Or mild concerns of ordinary life,
A constant influence, a peculiar grace;
But who, if he be called upon to face
Some awful moment to which Heaven has joined
Great issues, good or bad for human kind,
Is happy as a Lover; and attired
With sudden brightness, like a Man inspired;

And, through the heat of conflict, keeps the law
In calmness made, and sees what he foresaw;
Or if an unexpected call succeed,
Come when it will, is equal to the need:
--He who, though thus endued as with a sense
And faculty for storm and turbulence,

Is yet a Soul whose master-bias leans
To homefelt pleasures and to gentle scenes;
Sweet images! which, wheresoe'er he be,
Are at his heart; and such fidelity
It is his darling passion to approve;
More brave for this, that he hath much to love:--
'Tis, finally, the Man, who, lifted high,
Conspicuous object in a Nation's eye,

Or left unthought-of in obscurity,--
Who, with a toward or untoward lot,
Prosperous or adverse, to his wish or not--
Plays, in the many games of life, that one
Where what he most doth value must be won:
Whom neither shape of danger can dismay,
Nor thought of tender happiness betray;

Who, not content that former worth stand fast,
Looks forward, persevering to the last,
From well to better, daily self-surpast:
Who, whether praise of him must walk the earth
For ever, and to noble deeds give birth,
Or he must fall, to sleep without his fame,
And leave a dead unprofitable name--
Finds comfort in himself and in his cause;
And, while the mortal mist is gathering, draws
His breath in confidence of Heaven's applause:
This is the happy Warrior; this is He
That every Man in arms should wish to be.

[Salvation]

[Salvation]

 

[Kolokotronis]

" On all his travels, John Paul preached that even the least among us bears the image of our Creator, so we must work for a society where the most vulnerable among us have the greatest claim on our protection.

And by his own courageous example in the face of illness and suffering, he showed us the path to a culture of life where the dignity of every human person is respected, and human life at all its stages is revered and treasured."

God Bless our President!

[The Duke]

Speaking of the President's radio address - did anyone else happen to catch the Democratic Senator's response to the President's address last week?

Basically, when the switched over the response, all we heard was the queit snoring of the Vermont Senator - he had gone to sleep and there was no one there to wake him. So, the local radio host treated us to five minutes of quiet snoring.

Imagine that, a Democrat without someone around to *arouse* him!

[Salvation]

**Basically, when the switched over the response, all we heard was the queit snoring of the Vermont Senator - he had gone to sleep and there was no one there to wake him. So, the local radio host treated us to five minutes of quiet snoring.

Imagine that, a Democrat without someone around to *arouse* him!**

LOL! What a picture that would be!

[Salvation]

 

Former U.S. President George Bush Sr, second left, shakes hands with an unidentified Bishop during the funeral for Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Friday April 8, 2005. The death of John Paul II has evoked a remarkable outpouring of affection from around the world and brought an estimated 4 million people to Rome in one of the largest religious gatherings in the West in modern times. Others in photo are U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and Former U.S. President Bill Clinton. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

 

U.S. President George W. Bush (R) arrives with First Lady Laura Bush (C) for the funeral of Pope John Paul II in the Vatican's St. Peter's Square April 8, 2005. A simple cypress coffin bearing Pope John Paul's body was carried out of St Peter's Basilica on Friday as a funeral mass started for the poor and powerful of the earth to say their last goodbye. REUTERS/Yves Herman

 

U.S. President George W. Bush (L) and first lady Laura Bush (2-R) arrive for the funeral of Pope John Paul II in the Vatican's St. Peter's square April 8, 2005 near Iranian President Mohammad Khatami (top). A simple cypress coffin bearing Pope John Paul's body was carried out of St Peter's Basilica as the world's most powerful leaders joined an ocean of humble pilgrims to say goodbye on Friday at the biggest funeral in modern times. REUTERS/Yves Herman

 

U.S. President George W. Bush (C) arrives to attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II in the Vatican's St. Peter's square April 8, 2005. A simple cypress coffin bearing Pope John Paul's body was carried out of St Peter's Basilica as the world's most powerful leaders joined an ocean of humble pilgrims to say goodbye on Friday at the biggest funeral in modern times. REUTERS/Yves Herman

 

U.S. President George W. Bush (R) and his wife First Lady Laura Bush (2nd R), France's President Jacques Chirac (L) and his wife Bernadette and Spain's King Juan Carlos (front L) and Queen Sofia (front C) attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II in the Vatican's St. Peter's Square April 8, 2005. The poor and the powerful of the earth rubbed shoulders to say their last goodbye to the Pope on Friday as the Vatican staged one of the most momentous funerals in history for the Polish Pontiff. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

 

Spain's King Juan Carlos (2nd L) and Queen Sofia (L) sit with Denmark's Queen Margrethe (2nd R) and Prince Consort Henrik (R) as U.S. President George W. Bush (back C) and first lady Laura Bush (back 2nd L) look on at the start of the funeral of the late Pope John Paul II at the Vatican April 8, 2005. The poor and the powerful of the earth rubbed shoulders to say their last goodbye to the Pope on Friday as the Vatican staged one of the most momentous funerals in history for the Polish Pontiff. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

 

France's President Jacques Chirac (L) and his wife Bernadette (2nd L), U.S. first lady Laura Bush (2nd R) and U.S. President George W. Bush (R) sit behind Spain's King Juan Carlos (front R) and Queen Sofia (front L) at the start of the funeral of the late Pope John Paul II at the Vatican April 8, 2005. The poor and the powerful of the earth rubbed shoulders to say their last goodbye to the Pope on Friday as the Vatican staged one of the most momentous funerals in history for the Polish Pontiff. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi

 

U.S. President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush stand behind King Albert II of Belgium and Queen Paola, kneeling, during the funeral Mass for Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Friday, April 8, 2005, in Vatican City. Presidents, prime ministers and kings joined pilgrims and prelates in St. Peter's Square on Friday to bid farewell to Pope John Paul II at a funeral service that drew millions to Rome for one of the largest religious gatherings of modern times.(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

 

 Queen Sofia of Spain waves as U.S. President George W. Bush passes by at the start of the funeral mass of the late Pope John Paul II at the Vatican, April 8, 2005. Some 200 heads of state, heads of government and royalty joined an ocean of humble pilgrims to say goodbye to the late pontiff on Friday at the biggest funeral in modern times. REUTERS/Yves Herman

 

 

In this photo made available by the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, American Archbishop James Harvey, head of papal protocol, shakes hands with US President George Bush as unidentified diplomatic representatives to the Holy See look on in St. Peter's square, at the Vatican, Friday, April 8, 2005, prior to the funeral Mass for Pope John Paul II. (AP Photo/Osservatore Romano, ho)

 

U.S. President George W. Bush, bottom right, and first lady Laura Bush, walk past Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai, right, Albania's President Alfred Moisiu, center and Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, as they arrive for the funeral of Pope John Paul II outside St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Friday April 8, 2005. The death of John Paul II has evoked a remarkable outpouring of affection from around the world and brought an estimated 4 million people to Rome in one of the largest religious gatherings in the West in modern times. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

 

Bottom row, from left, Queen Sofia and King Juan Carlos of Spain, Queen Margarethe of Denmark with Prince Consort Henrik, top row, French President Jacques Chirac, former U.S. President George Bush, first lady Laura Bush and U.S. President George W. Bush, attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II in the center of St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Friday April 8, 2005. The death of John Paul II has evoked a remarkable outpouring of affection from around the world and brought an estimated 4 million people to Rome in one of the largest religious gatherings in the West in modern times. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

 

Former US President Bill Clinton looks up as President George Bush looks on after the funeral mass for Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Friday, April 8, 2005. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

 

U.S. President George W. Bush, center, shakes hands with Spain's King Juan Carlos during the funeral for Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Friday April 8, 2005. The death of John Paul II has evoked a remarkable outpouring of affection from around the world and brought an estimated 4 million people to Rome in one of the largest religious gatherings in the West in modern times. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

 

Former US President George H.W. Bush, sitting second from left midrow, is greeted by French President Jacques Chirac, standing, after the funeral mass for Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Friday, April 8, 2005. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

[ride the whirlwind]

And he challenged America always to live up to its lofty calling. The Pope taught us that the foundation for human freedom is a universal respect for human dignity.......a hero for the ages.

He'll be a tough act to follow, but anything is possible with God.

[Salvation]

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Salvation]

[Salvation]

In Memoriam: Pope John Paul II

[blackie]

GWB Is The Man!

[Salvation]

INTERVIEW OF THE PRESIDENT (regarding the funeral of Pope John Paul II)

[La Enchiladita]

This photo is especially touching, love and blessing from the Pope, respect and reverence from the President. It's a special moment.

Although not a Catholic (yet), I have always been fond of John Paul II (requiescat en pace).