Quote of the day
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you for the warm welcome. I am honored to be with you. No better place to refuel an airplane than right here. (Applause.) I appreciate you all coming out. I'm traveling today with the First Lady of the United States, Laura Bush -- (applause) – our daughter Barbara Bush -- (laughter.) I've just got one thing to ask the folks here at Eielson. Iceman Team: Ready to go? AIRMEN: At 50 below!
THE PRESIDENT: Absolutely! (Applause.) I thank the Iceman Team for joining us. I also want to thank the Arctic Warriors of Fort Wainwright for being here as well. (Applause.)
You know, I've been to a lot of military bases around the world. I don't think I've ever been to one where a moose can cause a traffic jam. (Laughter.) Or a base where the snowmobile is considered a lawn ornament. (Laughter.) And for you moms and dads out there, it must be a little strange in the summertime to say to your children, "Make sure you get home before dark." (Laughter.)
I want to thank General Graper and his wife Melinda for their hospitality and thank you for your service to our country, General. I want to thank Colonel Tim Jones, U.S. Army Garrison Commander of Fort Wainwright, and Theresa. I want to thank Colonel Wenke and his wife Wendy from the mighty 168th Air Fueling Wing. (Applause.)
The United States military has had no better supporter and stronger friend than Senator Ted Stevens. Thank you for coming, Senator. (Applause.) Thank you for bring your daughter. Nothing wrong with a father bringing his daughter to an event like this.
I'm also pleased that the Governor of the great state of Alaska, Governor Sarah Palin, and her husband Todd are with us today, too. (Applause.)
I first want to say something to our military families: I can't thank you enough for all the sacrifices you have given. There is no question we have the finest military in the world, and one reason why is because we've got the finest military families in the world. (Applause.) These have been tough times on our families and I want to thank you for staying in the fight.
I'm also proud to be here with people who have volunteered in the face of danger. There is no more important mission than to protect the United States from harm. Many of you volunteered after the attacks on the homeland on 9/11, 2001. You understand what I know: that it is best to defeat the enemy overseas so we do not have to face them here in the United States. (Applause.)
We have been unrelenting in our efforts to protect America, and I want to thank you for your service. There is no finer honor than being the Commander-in-Chief of a fine group of men and women, and I'm proud to be in your midst.
I want to thank the members of the 354th Fighter Wing. I appreciate what you do. I appreciate your efforts. I want to thank you for keeping us safe on the nation's Western flank. I thank you for your training missions. The people in the lower 48 send their very best.
Photos of the day
Mrs. Laura Bush receives a smile from a young boy as she greets the audience Monday, Aug. 4, 2008, after remarks by the President at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, their first stop en route to Asia. White House photo by Shealah Craighead Including all the photos with the troops at Eielson Air Force Base
A South Korean woman holds up a placard welcoming US President George W. Bush during a rally in Seoul. South Korea mounted a massive security operation as Bush arrived for a two-day visit and opponents of American beef imports took to the streets.
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