Saudi King Abdullah, right, walks with Vice President Dick Cheney at Fahd ibn Sultan Palace (cq) in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia Saturday, May 12, 2007
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.
It should come later this week so he will get them then - in a way I think this will be better as Tuesday so much was going on what with him being delivered home, equipment from the OT being delivered he would not have enjoyed or appreciated the gifts and then felt bad for being able to do so.
I like that picture of Cheney. He looks more rested than he has for a long time. The blue tie looks very handsome on him!
I wasn’t thinking it was scripted with the conductor because of her obvious surprise. I was thinking he might have asked a friend [Condi?] to go over the score with him, something casual. I did not think it was with any of the folks at Jamestown. And maybe he is just naturally talented. Still, he did practice his pitching before getting in front of a crowd. Just a guess on my part.
He is big and ornery....Brandon better watch it!..lol
Beautiful, Snugs!
As a Mom I thank you very much!
((((hugs))))
Lovely graphic and great photo of the President
The “GET TOGETHER’ is not abandoned. a few suggested we wait until AFTER memorial day(with school complications) which means we will go into JUNE with vacation complications.
sigh.
Will be in contact & look for a central Columbus point to meet? wanted Dover & the Warther Museum but it is too far for some of you.
during week seems to suit most so it does not cut into family time
What a lovely photo! I thought Mike was in Kuwait? Must have missed something.
Happy M-D, btw!
Cub
Had a sleep earlier - my clock is all over the place since dad got back home but does not matter that much at present as for the first couple of weeks I am only going in for half days.
LOL!
Thought you might just like that one!
Love a cowboy in a white hat! *siiiigh*
I was at the Plymouth Plantation in ‘97!!!
Yes! Tony’s put on some weight and he looks GREAT!!! :-)
Prayers for continued healing for this great American!
Thank you! Dontcha just love a man who tips his hat to women? :D
We all love THIS man any way we can get him! LOL!
Mike won’t be in Kuwait until sometime in Oct...he leaves here in August for training.
Saudi King Abdullah, right, walks with Vice President Dick Cheney at Fahd ibn Sultan Palace (cq) in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia Saturday, May 12, 2007
He certainly looks the more confident of the 2
Glad you like it
What month? I will scan a couple of my photos tomorrow and post them
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