Posted on 08/08/2008 5:16:12 PM PDT by silent_jonny
Today President & Mrs. Bush attended the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China.
Before the ceremonies, the President met personally with all the US Olympic Athletes and encouraged them to “go for it, give it all you've got” and reminded them that the American people will be cheering for them back home. (Transcript)
I wasn't exactly sure what to say to you, except to start with, God, I love our country and I love what we stand for. (Applause.) And I love being with you.
Earlier today President Bush was joined by his father, former President George H. W. Bush, for the dedication of the new US embassy in Beijing. [GHWB served as the Envoy to China during the Ford administration. He and his wife Barbara lived in the country for 14 months between 1975 and 1976.] (Transcript)
President GHWB: I was feeling sentimental when I told Barbara, my wife, that my old office would be occupied by the talented translators who work in the Public Affairs Office. (Laughter.) But as usual, she snapped out -- "You mean they got someone in your office who can speak the language?" (Laughter.)Barbara and I studied an hour a day, five days a week, but to be honest, one of the great challenges were these Chinese lessons that she and I took together. She simply refused to follow the very sacred "no laughing rule" as I spoke. (Laughter.) I was soon hoping that she would transfer out of my class. (Laughter.)
President & Mrs. Bush attended a banquet for visiting world leaders and Olympic officials in the Great Hall of People in Beijing.
Enjoy your visit to Sanity Island 
Quote of the Day:
President Bush: (speaking to the Olympic athletes)We appreciate all the hard work you've put in to get to this spot. It's got to be really exciting -- thinking about marching in that stadium and representing our country. So I guess all I've got to say is, go for it, give it all you've got, and may God bless you. (Applause.)
Photos of the Day:
President George W. Bush poses with the men's and women's United States Olympic diving team on the opening day of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China.
President George W. Bush and his wife Laura wave as the U.S. Olympic team passes during the Beijing 2008 Olympics opening ceremony August 8, 2008.
President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush wave to athletes in the delegation from USA as they parade during the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics at the National Stadium on August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China.
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Good evening!
Dang!
(not really what I said, but this is a family board)
Hello. :)
LOL :)
Howdy :) Good to see you here.
Enjoying your coverage of the trip to the Olympics. Thanks for the hard work.
President George W. Bush talks with Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai during the banquet at the Great Hall of people in Beijing, China, Friday, Aug. 8,2008.
Good evening and thanks for the ping. Great photo of the day
President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush are greeted by Chinese President Hu Jintao and Madam Liu Yongqing at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Friday, Aug. 8, 2008, for the social lunch in honor of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. White House photo by Eric Draper
Mrs. Laura Bush is greeted by France President Nicolas Sarkozy during a social luncheon Friday, Aug. 8, 2008, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in honor of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush greets President Nursultan Nazabayev of Kazakhstan Friday, Aug. 8, 2008, during a social luncheon in Beijing honoring the 2008 Olympic Summer Games. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush poses with former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger (2nd R) and his grandchildren Sophie (3rd L) and Sam (R) during the dedication ceremony of the new US embassy on August 8, 2008 in Beijing. US President George W. Bush on August 8 made a new plea for freedom of expression in China as he prepared to attend the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games later in the day.
President George W. Bush is hugged by a young boy Friday, Aug. 8, 2008, during a greeting at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. White House photo by Eric Draper
That little boy is just adorable. He sure like our W
President George W. Bush and former President George H.W. Bush sit on stage at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing Friday, Aug. 8, 2008, during dedication ceremonies. Both are scheduled to attend opening ceremonies scheduled for later in the evening. White House photo by Eric Draper
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