But I'm proud of you. I'm proud of your strength, proud of your character. Thank you for your service. Posted on 06/27/2006 3:19:10 PM PDT by bnelson44
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 27, 2006
President Bush Goes on Run with Staff Sergeant Christian Bagge
The South Lawn
4:02 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: I first met Christian when I went to Walter Reed -- or Brooke Army in San Antonio, Texas. And he said, "I want to run with you." He was in bed -- he had lost both legs. I looked at him, like, you know, there's an optimistic person. But I could tell in his eyes that he meant it. And after a lot of hard work and a lot of compassionate care, this fine man is here on the South Lawn running with the President. And he ran the President into the ground, I might add. (Laughter.)
But I'm proud of you. I'm proud of your strength, proud of your character. Thank you for your service.
It's an amazing sight for me to be running with a guy who, last time I saw him, was in bed wondering whether or not -- I was wondering whether or not he'd ever get out of bed. There was no doubt in his mind that he would.
Thank you for your service.
STAFF SERGEANT BAGGE: Your welcome, Mr. President.
THE PRESIDENT: Good man. God bless you.
STAFF SERGEANT BAGGE: It's a privilege.
THE PRESIDENT: We're not through running yet. Get out of the way. (Laughter.)
END 4:03 P.M. EDT
I just saw this reported on ABC national news. Glad they covered it.
Bush could take a lesson from Israel. Look how they protect their border from invasion. They are amassing tanks right now on Fox news.
The Army has a history of soldiers who come back from being wounded to do more.
Another example Msgt BENAVIDEZ, ROY P. (http://www.army.mil/cmh/mohviet.htm)
and
Capt. David Rozelle (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4522136)
I am sure if you ask, you will find more.
This isn't the first disabled vet that has enjoyed a White House jog with the Prez. I remember a story a couple years back from a guy who has lost one leg. The President told him that he would like to jog with him at the White HOuse. The solider gracious thanked him, but assumed it was just a nice comment. He was stunned to learn that the White House routinely checked his progess to make sure that he would be able to run with the President.
It already did, at post 15.
Thanks...I was also commenting on the two named Christian/Kristian!! Pretty cool!!
Careful not to "hijack" the thread.
You have no idea what it would be like to know that not only yourself but your whole family are targeted by terrorists and lunatics.
Come back and complain about the President's courage when you've walked a mile in his shoes.
An amazing story. Hope the thread doesn't get hijacked.
It already did, at post 15.
Never fails.
I wonder how many people who saw this story were filled with pride at the heroism of this Sgt. and others like him, and simultaneously reminded of, and filled with disdain and anger at those traitors who leak, and other treasonous ones who report to the world, information that jeopardizes the lives they are risking for our freedom.
The last President who showed even half of much strength in the face of foreign adversity was JFK.
I'm sure he doesn't meet your standards, but I'm not sure why you're so damn important.
I know your opinion of the President. I doubt you want to know what I think of you.
I'd be more impressed if GWB showed some support for the Marines in the brig at Ft. Pendleton, charged with murdering Iraqi civilians.
bttt
Please clean up your language...a lot of important people lurk here and it's a classy, smart sight with intelligent people.
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.