Quote of the Day: THE PRESIDENT (lengthy and excerpted): Thank you all. (Applause.) Thanks for having me. Please be seated. Thank you for the kind introduction, Jonnie, and thanks for the warm welcome. I appreciate being invited to come. It's such an honor to be here to stand up with so many strong and caring women -- and a few men -- (laughter) -- who are devoted to their husbands and their wives, and to our country.
I remember when Laura came over here to speak before -- she had a heck of a good time. I bet you're probably wishing she was back. (Laughter.) This is the 28th anniversary of this luncheon. (Applause.) Laura and I happen to have our 28th anniversary of our own coming up Saturday. (Applause.) You helped me remember. (Laughter.) It's the best decision I ever made, was marrying Laura in Midland, Texas. (Applause.) Some question whether or not it was the best decision she ever made. (Laughter.)
Speaking about decisions, I've got another decision to make, and maybe after the lunch you can help me, and that is what do I get her on the 28th anniversary? (Laughter.) Never mind. (Laughter.) Never mind. (Laughter.) Sorry I asked. (Laughter.).............
II've got an important talk to you -- I want to tell you some things. We meet at a critical time for our military and our nation. At this hour, Americans in uniform are deployed around the world to defend our freedom and our security in the first war of the 21st century. They're carrying out dangerous missions with skill and courage and compassion. I hope you know this, but the entire nation is proud of the men and women who wear our uniform. (Applause.) And so am I.
Every sailor, soldier, airman, Marine, and Coast Guardsman who wears the uniform volunteered for duty. And they have something else in common: They all rely on the love and support of their families -- their moms, their dads, their husbands and their wives. You are the ones who send the care packages, and send the e-mails. You're the ones who provide the daily encouragement for our folks overseas.
I know this is a trying time for our military spouses. Many of you have endured long separations from your husbands and wives. You miss them and worry about them -- and all the while, keep things running at home. By standing behind those who serve, you're serving, as well. The American people are grateful to the strength and sacrifice of our military spouses, and so am I. (Applause.)
Our service members and families are sacrificing for our country, and you deserve full support in return. You deserve the best possible pay. I've gladly signed legislation increasing basic military pay by 21 percent since 2001. (Applause.) You deserve extra compensation when your loved ones put themselves in harmed [sic] way, so we've increased imminent danger pay by 50 percent, and we have more than doubled family separation pay. (Applause.)
You deserve comfortable and affordable places to live -- (applause) -- so we've improved housing for families living on base, and we've eliminated out-of-pocket housing expenses for most families living off base. You deserve generous and flexible benefits, so we've made it easier for military families to get health care. We've extended tax filing deadlines; we've increased the payments for service members wounded in action; and we've improved education benefits for the National Guard and Reserve.
Every man and woman who volunteers to defend our nation in battle also deserves something else -- an unwavering commitment to the mission, and a clear strategy for victory. (Applause.) On the morning of September the 11th, 2001, we saw the destruction that terrorists intend for our nation. We know that they want to strike again. And our nation has made a clear choice: We will confront this mortal danger to all humanity. We will not rest or tire until the war on terror is won. (Applause.)........
We didn't ask for this global struggle, but we're answering history's call with confidence -- and with a comprehensive strategy. Defeating a broad and adaptive network requires patience and constant pressure and strong partners in Europe, in the Middle East, in North Africa and Asia and beyond. Working with these partners, we're disrupting militant conspiracies, destroying their ability to make war, and working to give millions in a troubled region of the world a hopeful alternative to resentment and violence. ........
At the same time, Iraqis are making inspiring progress toward building a democracy. Ten days ago, millions of Iraqis turned out to vote on a constitution that guarantees fundamental freedoms and lays the foundation for lasting democracy. And today the Iraqi elections commission certified the passage of the constitution. Many more Sunnis participated in this vote than in January's historic elections, and the level of violence was dramatically lower. With their courageous vote, the Iraqi people have once again proved their determination to build a democracy united against extremism and violence...........
The sacrifices made by you and your loved ones in uniform are always on our minds and in our prayers. All of you also understand that sacrifice is essential to winning war -- and this war will require more sacrifice, more time, and more resolve. The terrorists are as brutal an enemy as we have ever faced, unconstrained by any notion of common humanity and by the rules of warfare. No one should underestimate the difficulties ahead; nor should they overlook the advantages we bring to this fight...............
Some observers question the durability of democracy in Iraq. They underestimate the power and appeal of freedom. We've heard it suggested Iraq's democracy must be on shaky ground because Iraqis are arguing with each other. (Laughter.) That's the essence of democracy. (Laughter.) You make your case; you debate those who disagree with you; you build consensus by persuasion; and you answer to the will of the people. ...........
It's true that the seeds of freedom have only recently been planted in Iraq, but democracy, when it grows, is not a fragile flower, it's a healthy, sturdy tree. As Americans, we believe that people everywhere prefer freedom to slavery, and that liberty, once chosen, improves the lives of all. And so we're confident; as our coalition and the Iraqi people each do their part, Iraqi democracy will succeed. (Applause.)..............
Some observers also claim that America would be better off by cutting our losses and leaving Iraq now. This is a dangerous illusion, refuted by a simple question: Would the United States and other free nations be more safe, or less safe, with Zarqawi and bin Laden in control of Iraq, its people, and its resources? Having removed a dictator who hated free peoples, we will not stand by as a new set of killers, dedicated to the destruction of our country, seizes control of Iraq by violence................
These are historic times. It's a vital time for our nation and the world. And I want to thank you for your courage and thank you for your sacrifice. May God bless your loved ones. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless our country. (Applause.)
