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QUOTE OF THE DAY: PRIME MINISTER KOIZUMI: Mr. President, Mrs. Bush, distinguished guests. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for hosting such a wonderful dinner tonight.

Actually, I believe -- I'm sorry, I made a mistake. Mr. President, it was exactly five years ago, June 30, 2001, when I first met with you. After our talks, the President and I played catch in the woods of Camp David. Since then, based our heartfelt friendship, we have nurtured this vital bilateral relationship and have joined together as close allies to talk about a diverse set of challenges. Actually, I believe it was thanks to that game of catch with the President, I was able to feel confident when I stood on the pitcher's mound and threw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium in September 2004. (Laughter and applause.) USA Today reported that it was -- and I quote -- "A near perfect strike." (Laughter.)

The President often mentions in public that Japan and the United States went from being enemies during World War II to become the closest of allies and leading members of the community of free and democratic nations. In the new year of 1946, only several months after the end of war, then-Emperor Showa composed a Japanese traditional poem, which reads: "Courageous pine, and during the snow that is piling up, color unchanging, little people be like this." I can imagine the emperor gazing at the pine tree in his palace and reading out this poem at a time when our land was a (inaudible) and our people were depressed by Japan's defeat. "The snow is heavily piling up, and almost all the tree's leaves are either gone or have changed colors. However, this pine stands firm, without losing its needles or changing its color." I think the emperor wished our people to be like the pine when he wrote this poem for encouraging the people in the most difficult of times.

Since then, the people of Japan are striving to fulfill this poem's spirit by hard work and the discipline. At the same time, Japan will never forget that it was also the generous support provided by the United States after the war that contributed heavily to Japan's remarkable post-war development. During the war, people in Japan were taught to fear and hate the Americans, as if they were monsters. But the Americans were right in front of us -- in fact, came with warm and generous hearts. The Japanese people are still impressed with, they are grateful for the generosity of the United States and the American people.

In March 1865, just before the end of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln spoke to his audience in his second inaugural address. "With malice toward none, with charity for all ... let us strive on ... to bind up the nation's wounds ... to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations." I believe it was this American spirit that lifted the hearts of Japan's people, made Japan's reconstruction possible and built a foundation for the solid friendship between our two nations. It is such an impressive thing that our two nations, who once fought against each other now share common values and together, as close friends and allies, are tackling of a wide variety of challenges around the world.

Nine-eleven was an attack not solely against your country; it was a challenge against all of us, the entire human race and all those who respect human dignity and freedom. Terrorism and the proliferation of WMDs threaten the basic fundamentals of our lives. I would like to pay my sincerest respect to President Bush, who has been so steadfast and determined in protecting freedom and democracy. I sometimes see the image of the United States as Gary Cooper in my favorite movie, "High Noon." (Laughter.) Marshal Cooper stood up alone with courage and justice against four outlaw men. However, there is one huge difference between that Marshal and the United States: The United States is not alone when facing the evils that exist today. The United States is always with its eyes on friends, and Japan stands by the United States of America. (Applause.)

The President and I both recognize the importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance as we, at the same time, cooperate with many other nations around the world, as well as with the United Nations. Japan is determined to further develop this cooperation with the United States on a wide variety of issues, ranging from the fight against terrorism to democratization, the reconstruction of Afghanistan and Iraq, to alleviation of poverty, to natural disaster itself -- disaster relief. Tomorrow the President and Mrs. Bush and I are going to visit Memphis, Tennessee, home to Elvis Presley. When I was young, my exposure to America was Presley -- which is a vivid memory of my youth. The first English song I ever learned by heart was Presley's "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You." (Laughter.)

Mr. President, Mrs. Bush, ladies and gentlemen. I would like to propose a toast to the further enhancement of Japan-U.S. relations. In the words of Elvis, "I want you, I need you, I love you." As those lyrics suggest, I hope that our two nations, sharing fundamental values and interests will continue to be essential to each other, will cooperate for world peace and prosperity, and will further enrich our bilateral relationship.

ENJOY YOUR VISIT TO SANITY ISLAND!

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Hello all.

Good Evening.

What a darling first picture!!! I have been hearing the rendition of an Elvis song on the news all day! It is so funny. Great dose!

This is one of the BEST ever:)

Oh, my! Thanks for choosing the remarks of Prime Minister Koizumi. He used the occasion to mention the post-WWII development of Japan with our assistance, just as the Chancellor of Austria mentioned America's aid to Germany after WWII - which is still ongoing.

Hello Mike - thanks for the dose

Really cute pic of the day!
Thanks for today's Dose.

Hi Mike, thanks for the Dose on this fun day. I love the first photo.

The more I see Minister Koizumi im starting to think the man is really:

Psalm 105

1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD!
         Call upon His name;
         Make known His deeds among the peoples!
2 Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him;
         Talk of all His wondrous works!
3 Glory in His holy name;
         Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD!
4 Seek the LORD and His strength;
         Seek His face evermore!
5 Remember His marvelous works which He has done,
         His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,
6 O seed of Abraham His servant,
         You children of Jacob, His chosen ones!

Please remember the following members of the military and their families/friends in prayer:

~ WomanofStandard ….. a dear friend's sons, Troy (Air Force) in Italy and Tyler (Army) at Ft. Bragg, NC
~ leenie312 ….. son Nicholas is in the Marines
~ rintense .…. friend's brother, Brian Z.
…..… friend, Matt (who is a Freeper), deployed to the Mid-East
~ AF_Blue ….. active-duty AF
~ fc2tomschermuly (Navy) … he is a FReeper, as is his sister (mjaneangels@aolcom) and their father is a lurker
~ EuroFrog ….. husband, SSG Mike, deployed to Kuwait
….. SSG Kris, friend of SSG Mike in Kuwait
~ annyokie ….. son, Ian (Navy)
~ azGOPgal’s friend’s friend, Jeremy who is in the 10th Mountain Division
~ FresnoArmyBrat ….. a cousin
~ Jim Robinson ….. two nephews
~ tinacart ….. best friend's son, Cody - 4th Infantry
~ bigghurtt ….. 5 years in the Army, soon-to-be Special Forces
~ JulieRNR21 ..... friend Betty's grandson, Matt, in US Army
~ ladyinred ….. Josh, newly deployed to Iraq
….. Also, Josh's sister Pamela
….. their mother now has 2 children over there and one who has just returned home
~ ntnychik ….. the members of the 10th Mountain Division (which will be in Iraq for the long haul) and their families
~ Pan_Yan & Pan_Yans Wife ….. friend, Mike, stateside now but expects to go back to Iraq in late winter
~ hoosier_RW_conspirator ….. son Jake
~ Jaguar Girl ….. nephew Jimmy is serving in the Air Force
~ Kewlhand Tek, a FReeper, is currently serving in Iraq
~ St.Mark ….. nephew, somewhere between Syria and Fallujha (Marines); and son, in Twentynine Palms CA in training (Marines)
~ savagesusie ….. son Cory is in Afghanistan
~ Militiaman7 ..... son, Jonathan, who is a FReeper, is in Afghanistan with the Virginia Army National Guard.
~ jonsie ….. son Ryan has been in Iraq as a medic with 1st Cav since Sept. 2003, he is now guarding the green zone
~ elder5 ….. brother-in-law W0-2 Brian F., Army Reserve Chopper pilot, on his 2nd tour in Iraq
~ Kate of Spice Island ….. son has been sworn in as a Marine Reserve in the delayed entry program as he finishes up high school
~ Don'tMessWithTexas ….. 2 brothers-in-law in the service
….. … a Lt.Cmdr in US Navy deployed in Guam
….. … a Major in US Army deployed in the Sunni Triangle outside Baghdad.
~ Texas Princess ….. nephew Roland, (Air Force), currently stationed in Korea
~ an anonymous FReeper ….. son, Stephen (Army), in Baghdad
~ Kentucky ….. has a request for prayer from a Marine Mom whose son, Ramsey, is in Iraq
~ snowtigger ….. Peter, 1/24 INF (he drives a Stryker armored vehicle) ….. just shipped out to Mosul
~ homemom ….. Kelsey, a young lady now serving in Iraq
~ mamaduck ….. cousin, Carl, is a Sargeant Major stationed in FL right now and will deployed to Iraq after the new year
…..niece, Melissa, is in the AirForce, currently stationed in GA
~ Blue Scourge ….. a Freeper (Air Force), leaving for basic training
~ Collier ….. friend, Jim, father of 3 girls....Iowa National Guard, currently in Afghanistan
~ SE Mom ….. son Tommy, 101st AB, home now in Florida undergoing chemotherapy
~ Severa ….. husband, Jason (FR screen name Hostel), USN P-3 Aircraft Mechanic
….. ….. brother Wes, USAF First Lieutenant
….. ….. Jason's cousin David, 101st Airborne
~ MontanaCowgirlCop ….. brother Ted, who is an 18-year-old Marine medic overseas right now
~ FReeper MikeinIraq
~ gatorbait ….. brother-in-law John (Army) and nephew Andrew (Marine) in the mid-East
~ nelibeli ….. nephew Tres (Army), is serving his 2nd deployment to Iraq (he volunteered to go back!)
~ pGfwabf ….. son Mark (Marines) has been assigned state-side duty after graduating from boot camp.
~ It's_me_K.E.T. ….. son, Brian (U.S. Army), deployed March 6 to Iraq for 13 months.
~ FreedomHasACost ….. brother Ted (Marines) is in the Middle East
~ hoosier_RW_conspirator ….. son, Jake (Army) deployed to Afghanistan
~ hoosier_RW_conspirator ….. friend's son, Danny (Army) awaiting deployment for 2nd tour in Iraq
~ jch10 ….. son, Maury, US Army, who is in Qatar, soon to be in South Korea before returning home
~ GVgirl ….. son Nathan, active duty, California National Guard
~ herewego ….. brother-in-law Robert has just left for Iraq
~ FReeper stompk has re-enlisted, this time in the Army Reserves after serving active duty in the past in the Navy, and hopes to be serving in the War on Terror soon as a medic
~ jtill ….. Vic, Youth Minister at her church, will be leaving for Iraq for one year
~ BUSHdude2000 ….. brother currently stationed at Fort Drum, NY, will be going to Iraq in August
~ TruthNtegrity ….. Friend from church has returned from the mid-East. Retired Navy pilot hubby trying to get his wife to retire but she is committed to helping the military in her field of expertise and wants 2 more years to support the WoT.
~ Prophet in the wilderness ….. nephew (Marines) has returned home from Iraq but has shipped out elsewhere.
~ ntnychik ….. friend's son, Erik, an Army Ranger, on second tour in Iraq
~ from hoosiermama …
….. … George, in Iraq
….. … Bill was home but is heading back to Iraq
….. … Dan, our teacher, is still working stateside and his son has been accepted to one of the Military academies (West Point I think).
….. … Brad is doing his second tour in Iraq
….. … Tre, from work, has reinlisted and is currently working stateside.
~ PhiKapMom’s daughter, Jennifer, U. S. Navy; Jennifer’s husband, Tyler, U.S. Navy – both currently deployed
~ Happy2BMe ….. son Aaron has returned safely from Iraq (having been awarded a Bronze Star), though quite a few from his Arkansas National Guard unit made the ultimate sacrifice. Prayers for their families.
~ CyberAnt ….. nephew Jody (USMC) … awaiting deployment orders
~ Sea2ShiningSea … Chad, her “adopted” soldier
~ Marysecretary ….. Jerry, a dear friend's only son, is going to Iraq
~ RoseofTexas ….. Richard from Texas left for Iraq this past Feb.
~ Reagan79 ….. brother, Chris, a Marine Reservist from MS, is in Iraq
~ JulieRNR21 ….. a friend's grandson, Wesley in the USAF, is in Iraq
~ Slip18 ….. nephew, Allen (USMC), is expecting to soon be deployed for his fourth tour of duty in the mid-East
~ TruthNtegrity ….. cousin's son, Andy, is a Firstie (senior) at the US Navy Academy, and passed Phase 1 of qualifying for pilot training.
~ BonnieJ ….. cousin Doug (Army) will be returning to Baghdad by December
~ BonnieJ ….. cousin Josh will be going to Afghanistan with the Green Berets by the end of summer
~ OldSarge ….. a FReeper, Kentucky National Guard, is deployed to the mid-East
~ SuziQ ….. Chrissy, a West Point graduate and the daughter of friends, serving in Army Intelligence in Iraq
~ Marine_Uncle…..nephew LCpl Steven (USMC) currently in Iraq, second tour
~ StarFan….. son's friend Scott (USMC) just ended basic and will be deployed to Mid-East soon
~ Warriormom…..requesting prayers for the family of the Navy Seal in Afghanistan whose death has been confirmed
~ Warriormom….. updates prayer requests for Thomas Howes, Marc Gonsalves and Keith Stansell, CIA agents whose plane crashed in Columbia two years ago and are being held captive by the FARC according to a State Dept. briefing on June 27, 2005.
~ Kate of Spice Island ….. cousin, Kenneth, US Navy in California
~ Keith Matthew Maupin, the soldier who was taken hostage and whose whereabouts are unknown. Prayers for his well-being and for his safe release and for strength and courage for his family.
~ Scott Speicher from Desert Storm
~ shezza ….. husband in Afghanistan, brother in Germany (med-evac crew bringing wounded troops to Walter Reed), sister-in-law in Afghanistan
~ N8VTXNinWV ….. brother-in-law in Afghanistan, brother in Germany (med-evac crew bringing wounded troops to Walter Reed), sister-in-law in Afghanistan.
~ notpoliticallycorewrecked ….. Kenny (Marines) is going to Iraq in August. Please remember his mother, also … she is having a very difficult time with this.
~ pGfwabf ….. nephew Sam (Marines) leaving for Iraq in September
~ jtill ….. Bob, who is the son of her friend Bess
~ hoosierkitties ….. brother Philip is currently at Groton, CT, training for submarine duty
~ Jewels1091 ….. Ross, friend of daughter, is about to deploy to Iraq for a year (his third deployment in the War on Terror and he’s only 23!)
~ marylina ….. friend’s son, Brandon (Navy), has returned from the Middle East and is now in San Diego, awaiting Navy Seals school
~ Jen's Mom ….. daughter SPC Jennifer is in Ramadi where she is a medic
~ TexKat ….. son, SS Khevin (US Army), is currently in Iraq
~ Gosh I love this neighborhood ….. grandson is in Germany after a year in Iraq and his Dad (National Guard) is being sent to Kosovo.
~ Ladysmith ….. brother's fiance's son, Shane, is in Iraq
~ JFC ….. nephew Micah who is a Marine fighting now in Iraq.
~ Kate of Spice Island ….. Sister-in-law, Deanna, USAF stationed in Alaska
~ mrs tiggywinkle ….. cousin, Jason (Army National Guard), has deployed to Iraq for a year
~ DebWisconsin ….. nephew has graduated from his specialty training and now is in South Korea for one year.
~ reaganite ….. gr nephew, Scott (Marine), just arrived in Iraq
~ LUV W ….. son David, a Captain in the Air Force, is home from Iraq and is stationed in FL
~ Jet Jaguar (U. S. Air Force) – is home on leave after a tour of duty in Korea and is awaiting his next assignment
~ mrs tiggywinkle ….. nephew Michael, Naval intelligence, being deployed to Iraq this spring
~ repubmom ….. son Brian made Selection for Special Forces but decided to stay with a regular unit for now
~ SuziQ ….. nephew, Alexander, an Apache Longbow pilot, has finished his tour of duty in Afghanistan – his unit is currently in Germany
~ jlyspio ….. friend, Chris (Air Force) currently stationed near London, England
* ~ patriciaruth …..
….. Near Tal Afar – * Tommy, * Jeffrey
….. Near Syrian border – Juan, Matt, Steve
….. At Kirkuk – Timothy
….. At Irbil – Dave
….. In Kosovo – Stuart
….. Near Rawah - Matt, James, Chad, Brandon
….. At Ramadi – * Chris
….. At Bagram, Afghanistan – Sonya
….. roaming Afghanistan - Sonya’s husband
….. safely home from Ramadi - * John
~ Txsleuth ….. nephew, Shane, has been in Iraq since March
~ GOP-Pat ….. friend Chip has been in Iraq since November
* ~ MozartLover ….. son Ev (Army National Guard) is back in the mid-East after being home on leave
* ~ hoosierpearl ….. friend Robert, in Afghanistan in a particularly volatile location right now
* ~ arbee4bush ….. daughter Kristen (Freeper KB4W) has completed training and is now a loadmaster on a C-17 stationed at Charleston AFB.
* ~ Himyar ..... son, Robert (Air Guard) is in Iraq
* ~ mystery-ak ….. son Jonathan has left for Ft. Dix for intensive training and then goes to Iraq

* denotes change to the list (an addition or sometimes, thankfully, someone who has come home safely)

(Please FReepmail me with changes to the list because I may miss pings.

Also, please let me know if you would like to be on or off of the ping list for this scripture and prayer post ... it is different from, and much smaller than, the Dose Ping List. Thanks.)

Thanks for the pictures and thread!!

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi is just too cute for words *L*

Though ... Priscilla Presley really needs to chill out on the plastic surgery ..

THANK YOU! What a great speech! Did the msm ignore the speech?

Priscilla in 2000.

That was a wonderful speech by Prime Minister Koizumi. I think that in Koizumi, Pres. Bush has met a world leader whose sense of humor matches his own. It looks like they had a GREAT time on the trip to Graceland!

#1 is a cute photo

Howdy!

I have been in late lately, but at least I am making it.

The pix are great!

Checking in quickly on vacation. What a great first photo! Love it! Thanks for your work on the Dose. I will breeze through these and be back to inspect in a few days when we are home.

I knew you'd pick that for #1. What a great photo.

Thanks for your faithfulness in getting another Friday edition to us, Mike.

Thanks for the post - new to the dose, and it's great!