[GretchenM]

QUOTE: “Since that first 4th of July, some 43 million Americans have defended our freedom in times of war. These brave men and women crossed oceans and continents to defeat murderous ideologies and to secure the peace for generations that followed. We live in liberty because of the courage they displayed -- from Bunker Hill to Baghdad, from Concord to Kabul -- on this Independence Day we honor their achievements and we thank them for their service in freedom's cause."

"It's a pleasure to be back here at Fort Bragg -- 'Home of our Airborne and Special Forces.' I flew down on Air Force One, and our pilot, Colonel Tillman, he said, 'I can open the hatch and drop you out by parachute.' I said he had the wrong President Bush. (Laughter.) Old '41, I call him -- happens to be my dad -- has jumped five times with the Golden Knights of Fort Bragg. (Applause.) Mother appreciates you helping him down safely. (Laughter.) He's the only skydiving President, and that's a distinction I think he's going to keep. (Laughter.)

"Our strategy to protect America is based on a clear premise: The security of our nation depends on the advance of liberty in other nations."

"I'm privileged to be in the presence of so many courageous military families who have borne the hardships of war with dignity and devotion."

Early birthday cake at Ft. Bragg

With Special Ops troops at Ft. Bragg

[GretchenM]

July 4 dose going up.

Pls wait to post or repost photos till the All Clear.

[GretchenM]

"Today we mark the 230th anniversary of American independence. And on this day, when we give thanks for our freedom, we also give thanks for the men and women who make our freedom possible. Each of you have stepped forward to serve, knowing the risks and dangers that accompany freedom's defense."

Bush: "It's a pleasure to get out of Washington, to spend some time in the real "center of the universe."

[Kath]

First??

[pax_et_bonum]

I love that man!

[Bahbah]

THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT. FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE. FOR ALL THAT YOU WILL DO. We couldn't have gotten through this without you. The same can be said for the Bush family, Sec. Def. Rumsfeld, VP Cheney, SOS Dr. Rice, and the most excellent White House Press Secretary, Mr. Snow. Happy Independence Day. (We are the ones that they never poll, but we're out here.)

[W04Man]

Bump!

[speekinout]

I flew down on Air Force One, and our pilot, Colonel Tillman, he said, 'I can open the hatch and drop you out by parachute.' I said he had the wrong President Bush. (Laughter.) Old '41, I call him -- happens to be my dad -- has jumped five times with the Golden Knights of Fort Bragg. (Applause.) Mother appreciates you helping him down safely. (Laughter.) He's the only skydiving President, and that's a distinction I think he's going to keep. (Laughter.)

I always love W's sense of humor. But this one really tickles my funny bone. :-)

[maine-iac7]

With Special Ops troops at Ft. Bragg

Just dang! My grandson (spec ops) just left Ft Bragg 2 days ago - for short visit with family in TX...off to Italy end of week. He JUST missed Bush. (He used to get in trouble in school, with his teachers, because he defended Bush at every turn.)

[mrs tiggywinkle]

Thank you for taking time to post such a special 'dose' Gretchen.

I'm so very proud of our troops and our dear President. How much they love him. How they trust his judgement and direction. Their devotion and sacrifice is evident and held dearly by us who love our freedom. God bless them.

Happy Independence Day to all.

[Just A Nobody]

Hi Gretchen and thank you for today's Dose. I just arrived home from DC and am thankful the Dose with those first 3 photos was the first thing I saw!!!

"I'm privileged to be in the presence of so many courageous military families who have borne the hardships of war with dignity and devotion."

What an awesome Commander-in-Chief!!1

[dmd25]

Thank you for the Dose, Gretchen! I have looked forward to this one! I love the President's remarks about the parachutes! Very funny. I heard just a little of his speech--it was wonderful. I was glad to read more of what he said. Thank you!

[snugs]

Good evening all and Happy Birthday America

[luvie]

Gretchen, thank you for this great 4th of July thread. Our president looks darn awesome for a 60-year old guy. He has more energy than most 40-year olds! God love him...I do! ;o)

[MJY1288]

Thanks GretchenM,

HAPPY 4th OF JULY

[anonymoussierra]

Good morning. Thank you all. Happy Birthday America!!

[GVnana]

Happy Birthday America. And God Bless President Bush.