Posted on 05/13/2007 5:41:45 PM PDT by Wolfstar
PRESIDENTIAL NEWS OF THE DAY: President and Mrs. Bush spent most of the weekend in Washington. However, they did travel to Jamestown, Virigina, today to attend the ceremonies marking the 400th Anniversary of the founding of the Jamestown settlement. Here is the AP story as published on the FOX News website:
President Bush Celebrates Jamestown's 400th Anniversary
JAMESTOWN, Virginia, May 13, 2007(AP) Fond of promoting the endurance of freedom, President George W. Bush on Sunday hailed America's humble beginnings as a reminder that new democracies require huge sacrifice.
"From our own history, we know the path to democracy is long and it's hard," Bush said in a ceremony honoring the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, America's first permanent English colony.
"There are many challenges, and there are setbacks along the way," Bush said. "Yet we can have confidence in the outcome because we've seen freedom's power to transform societies."
The President also did something that possibly may be a first for a U.S. president when he conducted the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Apparently, he did a pretty good job at it, too. So President Bush has a musical side. Who knew. :)
Bush playfully conducts orchestra in Va.
By SONJA BARISIC, Associated Press Writer
Sun May 13, 3:20 PM ETJAMESTOWN, Va. - JoAnn Falletta was doing what a conductor should concentrating on the orchestra in front of her. No wonder it took her a few seconds on Sunday to realize someone behind her was motioning for a try.
"Smiling at me kind of devilishly," Falletta said.
She gave him her baton and stepped aside.
Gesturing exuberantly, the president led the orchestra during part of its performance of "Stars and Stripes Forever."
"We didn't expect him to know the score so well," Falletta said afterward. "He was not shy about conducting at all. He conducted with a great deal of panache."
That was the music played for Bush's exit after his speech at a ceremony commemorating the founding 400 years ago of Jamestown, America's first permanent English settlement.
Just before the music ended, Bush turned to Falletta, who stood on a step below him, kissed the top of her head and left without saying a word.
The 400-strong orchestra was made up of about 50 members of the Virginia Symphony, plus musicians from youth orchestras around the country. The switch in conductors was impromptu, said Falletta, the symphony's music director.
"I think he may have just been seized by the desire to conduct the orchestra," she said.
Falletta did not spot Bush until alerted by a musician.
"I'm embarrassed now that I didn't notice him, but I was just thinking of the music," she said.
Bush stepped onto the podium and took over.
The musicians were impressed by how musical Bush was, Falletta said. "He was cueing the brass, he was cueing the percussion, he kept the tempo going," she said.
Bill Fearnside, a violinist with the Virginia Symphony, put down his instrument and picked up a camera to record the moment.
"It was a little shocking, but it was fun," Fearnside said.
THE WEEK AHEAD:
Monday, the President has no public events scheduled. First Lady Laura Bush participates in a roundtable discussion on women and heart disease at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC Tuesday, the President meets with Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt in the Oval Office. He also delivers remarks at the Annual Peace Officers Memorial Service in the Capitol.
Wednesday, President Bus welcomes his friend, British Prime Minister Tony Blair to White House. (I believe this may be their last meeting in the White House before Mr. Blair retires from office.)
Thursday, GWB meets with British Prime Minister Tony Blair in the Oval Office. Later, the two leaders will participate in a joint media availability in the Rose Garden.
Friday, the first couple will be at their Prairie Chappel Ranch in Crawford, Texas.
EXTENDED SCHEDULE:
May 20-21, 2007: President Bush hosts NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer at his ranch in Crawford, TX. May 23, 2007: President Bush delivers the commencement address to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT.
Oh yes....James Bond-esque, even! Nice Pic!!!
FABulous jacket, Mrs. B!!! What a classy lady.
That’s hilarious, NordP. I love it with all the Doxies around. LOLOL! (BTW, my favorite Doxies are the Wirehaired variety.)
Our sons can worry us to distraction, but they’re sooooooooo worth it . . . and no more so than on Mother’s Day!!
:)
And she drove to Paris for the weekend! LOL!
I’m glad you got the ping in time . . . I was able to record the event and am sooooooooooo glad I did!
The hip is really good much better than we could have expected especially as he had so much bed rest though I wonder if in someway this has helped because he was doing the required exercised in bed so he probably strengthened it before bearing weight on it.
You are very welcome, hoosierpearl. :)
“And she drove to Paris for the weekend! LOL!”
-
-
I love it! . . . What does she think of the new French President?!
Is there going to be a rebroadcast of this remarkable event?
btw, I e-mailed a picture to Eric. He just took an instrumental conducting course and really enjoyed seeing his Commander in Chief with a baton! LOL!
Going to say good night, now. Going to get some dinner. (It’s after 7:00pm here in on the West Coast.) Happy Mother’s day again to all to whom it applies.
I have two red short haired and two white and red pie bald (they look like Jack Russells in coloring).
But talked to son in SA, and he was thrilled! (He's my political nutcase.............you know, like his Mom? :)
We just got a new member of the family a few days ago. Cousin Doug has a new grandson. I’ll have to email a picture to you.
I had a great mother’s day. We celebrated yesterday, roses, card, and dinner at my favorite restaurant. A few other details.
My flowers I planted last year are looking beautiful, I’ve never had luck with flowers before. This is just great.
Hope all is well with your family too.
Nite - thanks for all the work on the Dose!
Yes, our multi-talented President. He has a Harvard MBA, knows the oil business, baseball, how to fly a jet, how to conduct an orchestra, and he speaks Spanish as poorly as he does English. :-)
I’m going to miss him.
Thank goodness! Prayers answered!!!!
I think he may also work more with Clinton on various economic and climate conferences.
Like you I will always be grateful for Blair's stance re WOT but wonder at some of the motives but in a way that is not important if it has worked out for the best for our 2 nations and the world.
Hi mystery! Knew Jon would get to call you ....no matter how long the line to use the phone.
I know you had a great Mother’s Day!
What a guy! Talk about a Renaissance man! LOL!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.