A Day in the Life of President Bush (photos) 12-15-06

http://www.defenselink.mil/;http://www.whitehouse.gov/ ^ | 12-15-06 | onyx

[onyx]

Welcome to Sanity Island. It's been a busy and memorable day.

Today, President Bush led the Pentegon's Farewell to Secretary of State Donald Rumsfeld.

Full story here.

President Bush, right, congratulates outgoing Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, second from left, during a farewell ceremony in his honor at the Pentagon, Friday, Dec. 15, 2006. Vice President Dick Cheney, left, and Joint Chiefs Chairman, Gen. Peter Pace, second from right. applaud. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

President Bush also Honored Medal of Freedom Recipients in the East Room.

Fellow recipients of the 2006 Presidential Medal of Freedom applaud as President George W. Bush bestows the honor on David McCullough during ceremonies Friday, Dec. 15, 2006, at the White House. Said the President, "This chronicler of other times is one of the eminent Americans of our time. The nation owes a debt of gratitude to a fine author and a fine man." White House photo by Shealah Craighead

Photo of the Day: (but all are wonderful)

Quotes of the Day

"The record of Don Rumsfeld's tenure is clear; … there has been more profound change at the Department of Defense over the past six years than at any time since the department's creation in the late 1940s.”

“On his watch, NATO sent its forces to defend a young democracy in Afghanistan more than 3,000 miles from Europe, the first time NATO has deployed outside the North Atlantic area in the history of the alliance."

“Most importantly, he worked to establish a culture in the Pentagon that rewards innovation and intelligent risk-taking and encourages our military and civilian leaders to challenge established ways of thinking."

"These changes were not easy to make, but Rumsfeld’s determination and leadership led to the best equipped, best trained and most experienced military in the world. “This man knows how to lead, and he did, and the country is better off for it.”

[ilovew]

Lol I knew I wasn't going to be first. There were already 8 posts when I saw the ping.

[silent_jonny]

Congrats, Doc :)

[onyx]

JOINT CHAIRMAN PAYS RESPECTS - Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Peter Pace speaks during the Farewell Parade for Secretary Rumsfeld at the Pentagon, Dec. 15, 2006 Defense Dept. Image Hi-Res | Lead Photo Archive

[onyx]

ALL CLEAR! Please add your favorite photos!

[silent_jonny]

Lots of great toaster material tonight!

Thank you for the Dose, Onyx :)

[notes2005]

Hey, thanks for the dose tonight. Sure gonna miss Rummy.

On the lighter note I found this today about the President and Laura, the guy who interviewed them for People mag wrote this about them:

"I couldn't help but notice how well matched the Bushes are. Their mood was serious and restrained, and our interview covered what a tough year it was for them the Democrats sweep of the House and Senate, the escalating criticism of the war in Iraq. Clearly, the events of the year weighed heavily on the President, but when it came time to join his wife for photos, he brightened up. " You've got beautiful blue eyes," he told her with a smile, as photographer Robert Trachtenberg asked them to look at each other.

CUTE

[onyx]

I fell in love with any number of uniformed men.

Me too! There's so many fabulous photos... I think I too, will post more, but I wanted to give everyone a chance to post favorites.

[ohioWfan]

Did you see this one, onyx.....?

Makes me cry. What two great leaders these men are!

[onyx]

I was posting by myself for a while with no winner. Next time for you!!!!

[onyx]

You're welcome! I had fun compiling it this afternoon, but sorta hard seeing through some tears. :(

[ilovew]

Awww!!!! I think I just melted into the floor...

[onyx]

Heck no! I missed that one! Thanks for posting it. I would have selected that for photo of the day!

[ilovew]

I'll have to pay more attention next time :)

[onyx]

Hi notes! Thabks for posting that. They are the perfect match and they're truly in love.

[BARLF]

Two old friends in post 7.

I love them both.

[ohioWfan]

I love the way he tilts his head and lowers a bit to look people in the eye.....

It says a lot about him, methinks......

[onyx]

YES! You do!

[ilovew]

Lol! You didn't have to AGREE with me :P

[onyx]

[ohioWfan]

It's a precious glimpse into the character of both men and their relationship, I think.