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A day in the life of President Bush (5/13/07): pics of Jamestown 400th Anniversary
WhiteHouse.gov & Yahoo News ^ | 5/13/07

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 ET

JAMESTOWN, 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.



TOPICS: Front Page News; US: Virginia
KEYWORDS: georgewbush; jamestown; laurabush; president
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To: Wolfstar

Here is a link to the official website - the exact ages will be on that

http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/Page5541.asp


81 posted on 05/13/2007 6:25:33 PM PDT by snugs ((An English Cheney Chick - Big Time))
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To: snugs
The archaelogical dig was especially fascinating. We visited not too long after they had discovered the original outlines of the fort. I just heard that now they’ve possibly discovered the location of Powhatan’s long house, with evidence of where the poles stood. Simply amazing!

My kids really loved the whole thing, both the original site and the recreation and the replica ships. They could have spent a couple of days there alone. I enjoyed it more than Colonial Williamsburg, which was VERY expensive and everything closed early (April, spring break time frame).

I would love to make it to Plymouth one day.

82 posted on 05/13/2007 6:28:33 PM PDT by ODC-GIRL (Proudly serving our Nation's Homeland Defense)
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To: snugs

Thanks for the link, snugs. I’ll enjoy looking through that website. :)


83 posted on 05/13/2007 6:28:54 PM PDT by Wolfstar (When you whip the good guys into rage at the wrong enemy, don't be surprised when the bad guys win.)
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To: hoosierpearl

Hope all is well with you and yours!


84 posted on 05/13/2007 6:29:27 PM PDT by RasterMaster (Are there any misdemeanors in Islam?)
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To: RasterMaster
President Bush’s speech was EXCELLENT and the part where he played conductor afterward was really fun!

Were you there? Or did you get to see it on TV?

85 posted on 05/13/2007 6:29:56 PM PDT by Wolfstar (When you whip the good guys into rage at the wrong enemy, don't be surprised when the bad guys win.)
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To: Wolfstar

Many of my ancestors came over in the 1600’s and 1700’s. It would still have been a daunting voyage then. I guess I descend from some stern stuff. Me? I have a hard time going to the airport by myself!


86 posted on 05/13/2007 6:31:05 PM PDT by ODC-GIRL (Proudly serving our Nation's Homeland Defense)
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To: Wolfstar

Amen


87 posted on 05/13/2007 6:32:19 PM PDT by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES.)
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To: MEG33

Thanks MEG


88 posted on 05/13/2007 6:33:36 PM PDT by mystery-ak (My Son, My Soldier, My Hero........God Speed Jonathan......)
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To: Wolfstar

;0)
Thank you..It is one of my favorites!


89 posted on 05/13/2007 6:34:14 PM PDT by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES.)
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To: ODC-GIRL
Me? I have a hard time going to the airport by myself!

LOL!

90 posted on 05/13/2007 6:34:52 PM PDT by Wolfstar (When you whip the good guys into rage at the wrong enemy, don't be surprised when the bad guys win.)
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To: Wolfstar

Caught it on TV....could have imagined how much fun it was for the folks who attended! Quite a suprise!


91 posted on 05/13/2007 6:35:15 PM PDT by RasterMaster (Are there any misdemeanors in Islam?)
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To: Wolfstar

I only discovered it myself a few days ago and have not had a chance to look at it in detail but appears to be interesting especially for those who enjoy history.

One thing I did see on the site which I thought was interesting apparently it was the Queen who really pushed for this site to be created - no doubt her grandchildren probably influenced her thinking.


92 posted on 05/13/2007 6:38:45 PM PDT by snugs ((An English Cheney Chick - Big Time))
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To: mystery-ak

I thank Jonathan!


93 posted on 05/13/2007 6:40:45 PM PDT by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES.)
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To: Wolfstar; DrDeb

Thanks to Dr Deb ping I watched most of it via the computer on Cspan which included the conducting part


94 posted on 05/13/2007 6:40:52 PM PDT by snugs ((An English Cheney Chick - Big Time))
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To: Wolfstar
Great photos...thanks for the thread.

Since there are no photos of W and Laura with their Mom's today, here are some from yesteryear.


95 posted on 05/13/2007 6:42:39 PM PDT by daisyscarlett
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To: snugs
One thing I did see on the site which I thought was interesting apparently it was the Queen who really pushed for this site to be created - no doubt her grandchildren probably influenced her thinking.

Grin...no doubt. :)

96 posted on 05/13/2007 6:44:29 PM PDT by Wolfstar (When you whip the good guys into rage at the wrong enemy, don't be surprised when the bad guys win.)
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To: mystery-ak

Fine looking young men but none finer looking than Jonathan. Thanks for sharing.


97 posted on 05/13/2007 6:45:09 PM PDT by daisyscarlett
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To: snugs; DrDeb
Thanks to Dr Deb ping I watched most of it via the computer on Cspan which included the conducting part

That's great! I'm happy you got to see it.

98 posted on 05/13/2007 6:45:18 PM PDT by Wolfstar (When you whip the good guys into rage at the wrong enemy, don't be surprised when the bad guys win.)
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To: daisyscarlett

Those are wonderful photos. For those who believe in fate, George and Laura grew up relatively nearby one another, but didn’t meet until well into adulthood.


99 posted on 05/13/2007 6:46:44 PM PDT by Wolfstar (When you whip the good guys into rage at the wrong enemy, don't be surprised when the bad guys win.)
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To: daisyscarlett

Thank you daisy...I was glad he was able to call this morning...he said the lines were long with troopers wanting to talk to their moms...lol


100 posted on 05/13/2007 6:47:09 PM PDT by mystery-ak (My Son, My Soldier, My Hero........God Speed Jonathan......)
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