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
Lopez Lomong carries the flag of United States during the opening ceremonies for the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Friday, Aug. 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.
You really outdid yourself with these. Thank you so much. What wonderful memories for us, our country, and the Bush family. Laura continues to look so lovely and ladylike and the twinkle in her eye is always there. She and President Bush have aged - but so very gracefully. This couple have been splendid examples of what it means to be a lady and a gentleman. How I will miss them.
I am torn here as I do not particularly like either
As others have said America has not appreciated what great men they have in the White House and today with the sleaze coming out on Edwards is a reminder of this. Both GWB and Dick Cheney are 10 times the men that John Edwards is but no doubt the MSM after they have had their fun at his expense for a while will then start making excuses the obvious one will be he is a fit virile man and no doubt the Clinton excuse this was just about sex will be rolled out.
When I saw them I immediately got a mental picture of that era thank you for confirming what they were.
I saved it as well as you are right this is one for the history books
I especially liked the ones of W in the stands waving the flag and cheering when the USA team marched by. Amazing that he is able to sit among the fans...I thought they would have him in a plastic bubble or something.
I also loved that he told our team to win as many gold medals as they can...none of this participation medals are fine, just have fun.
It depends I think how justified the world thinks that Georgia's claim on this enclave is.
Mark Foster of the Great Britain Olympic men's swim team carries his country's flag to lead out the delegation during the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics at the National Stadium on August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China.
The Great Britain delegation enters the stadium during the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics at the National Stadium on August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China.
Post 58: The President really looks like a proud father as the U.S. team in introduced.
Thanks again, jonny. Big job tonight. Good night.
Indeed they are a class act they will be missed greatly even if people do not realise it at present they have been wonderful embassadors for their country.
Thank you for the team GB photos.
WOW ..... fabulous Dose, jonny!!! You know where I’ve been ... LOL. You captured so many great and memorable moments. Just a fantastic amount of work ........... THANK YOU!!
I LOVE that 41 and 43 were together for the embassy opening. What great men .. and how wonderful for them.
It was so great that he put on his jacket when our team walked in, and gave them such a warm welcome.
I’m still thinkin’ about the Pootie meetup ... wonder what’s really going on.
LMAO! Bush is giving his left hand to a Muslim!!
Britain are going to have to do something special to top this even though I was watching it on TV I let out a gasp as the torch lighting part of the ceromny was taking place.
I love this photo of the President and the First Lady
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