Posted on 12/22/2006 4:09:40 PM PST by onyx
Today, President Bush and First Lady Laura went to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. to visit with volunteers and our brave troops. He awarded sixteen Purple Hearts. Here he is seen helping volunteer children wrap Christmas presents for children of families whose parent have been wounded in service to our country.
In leiu of a quote of the day, I offer you the complete text of his remarks:
THE PRESIDENT: Laura and I are honored to be here to thank the folks working here at this service project. What you're seeing is some young kids wrapping gifts for children whose families are here in Washington, D.C. as a result of an injury that they've received -- that the parent received in combat.
We've also just come from Walter Reed. I got to tell you, it's a remarkable experience to go through the hospital. It's remarkable because of the unbelievable compassion and care of the people who work at Walter Reed. And it's also remarkable to me, these men and women who have volunteered to serve our country, who've received terrible wounds, but whose spirits are strong, their resolve is strong, and their dedication to our country remains strong.
I want all our fellow citizens to understand that we're lucky to have men and women who have volunteered to serve our country like those who wear our uniform. We're lucky to have their families support them so strongly. We owe them all we can give them -- not only for when they're in harm's way, but when they come home to help them adjust if they have wounds, or help them adjust after their time in service. We owe a huge debt of gratitude for incredible men and women. And I -- every time I come to Walter Reed, I am moved by the courage and bravery of the people I meet.
And so on behalf of a grateful nation, I want to thank our military families, thank the folks here who are wrapping gifts for the military families, and ask for God's blessings on our citizens. Thank you.""
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In this Photograph provided by the White House, President Bush, left, shakes the hand of Staff Sgt. Marcus Wilson, Dermott, Ark., after awarding him two Purple Hearts at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington Friday, Dec. 22, 2006, as first lady.Laura Bush, second from left, and members of the Marine's family look on. Wilson is recovering from wounds suffered in Iraq.
Enjoy your visit to Sanity Island.....
Waving from the South Lawn.
thanks
President Bush lends his expertise, helping young volunteers wrap presents for families of soldiers who were wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I love the pictures from when he visits the hospital.
In this photograph provided by the White House, President Bush presents a Purple Heart to Sgt. John Kriesel of Twin Cities, Minn., during a visit Friday, Dec. 22, 2006, to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington where the soldier is recovering from injuries suffered in Iraq. Looking on with First Lady Laura Bush is the National Guardsman's wife, Katie, holding their 4-year-old son Broden, and 5-year-old Elijah.
President Bush presents the Purple Heart to U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert Cordero of El Paso, Texas during a visit Friday, Dec. 22, 2006, to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington where the soldier is recovering from injuries suffered in Iraq. Looking on with first lady Laura Bush is Sgt. Cordero's mother, Rosa Cordero.
President Bush congratulates Army Specialist Sue Downes, of Iowa City, Iowa after presenting her with a Purple Heart. Joining in the presentation are her husband, Gabriel, left, their son Austin and daughter Alexis, and her mother, Faye Partin.
President George W. Bush congratulates U.S. Army Pvt. First Class Jace Badia of Tampa, after presenting him with a Purple Heart Friday, Dec. 22, 2006, during a visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center where the soldier is recovering from injuries suffered in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
President George W. Bush congratulates Pvt. First Class Tony Brawdy of Tulsa, OK., after presenting him with two Purple Hearts Friday, Dec. 22, 2006, during a visit to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where the soldier is recovering from injuries suffered in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Hi sweet you and Merry Chirstmas!
President and First Lady Laura start to walk away after addressing the press. In the bottom photo, I think their faces 'speak to the experience with the press.'
Thanks, onyx!
"Look, Laura -- another anal retentive posing as a journalist. Tut tut.."
Thank You....
I just got "lucky"
I visit daily and never end my day with out a stop here...today my day happened to start early...
so very Thankful this site exists for quiet country people..I live in the Pennsylvania mountains just 16 miles from where flight#93 went down...RETIRED and loving it...
Carole
Merry Christmas, onyx. Thank you for the lovely dose.
Hi Miss Marple. He awarded 16 Purple Hearts today. I regret that photos of each recipient were not available, but I note that at least two won two Purple Hearts. Talk about REAL heroes! We are humbled by our brave troops and ever so thankful for them and grateful unto them.
I love that picture. Merry Christmas everyone!
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