Posted on 07/17/2008 5:53:22 PM PDT by snugs
Today the President and First Lady attended Tony Snow's funeral, the President made a wonderful speech about how special Tony was and I have chosen these words to be the quote of the day as the content does much in putting things into perspective. We may get tied up on the minutiae of life but Tony Snow showed where our priorities should be never compromising his beliefs but always bearing in mind what was important and treating the rest with good humour and a smile.
After attending the funeral the President travelled to California to view some of the damaged caused by the wildfires and also to speak to those who are bravely fighting them.
Pray for President Bush -- Day 2864
QUOTE OF THE DAY
President Bush Attends Funeral Service for Tony Snow
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Washington, D.C.
THE PRESIDENT: Archbishop Wuerl, Father O'Connell, Mr. Vice President, members of the Cabinet and my administration, members of Congress, distinguished guests; most importantly, the Snow family, Jill, Robbie, Kendall, Kristi and Jim, and other family members; former colleagues of Tony. Laura and I are privileged to join you today to pay our final respects to a cherished friend.
Tony Snow was a man of uncommon decency and compassion. He was a devoted husband, a proud and loving father, an adoring son, a beloved colleague, and a wonderful role model and friend.
In a life that was far too brief, he amassed a rare record of accomplishment. He applied his gifted mind to many fields: as a columnist, newspaper editor, TV anchor, radio host, and musician. He had the sometimes challenging distinction of working for two Presidents named Bush. As a speechwriter in my Dad's administration, Tony tried to translate the President's policies into English. (Laughter.) As a spokesman in my administration, Tony tried to translate my English into English. (Laughter.)
Tony always gave me good and candid advice. He was a man of profound substance who loved ideas, held strong beliefs, and reveled in defending them. He took very seriously his duty to inform the public about what its government was doing during historic times for our nation.
In the White House briefing room, Tony worked to build a relationship of candor and trust with the press corps. On his first day at the podium, he told the gathered reporters this: "One of the reasons I took this job is not only because I believe in the President, but because, believe it or not, I want to work with you." Tony was the first working journalist to serve as the White House Press Secretary for nearly 30 years. He knew the job of a reporter was rigorous. He admired the profession -- and always treated it with respect. And the presence of so many members of the Fourth Estate here today attests to the admiration and respect that he earned.
Of course, Tony's adjustment from commentator to spokesman was not seamless. Ann Compton of ABC recently recalled that when you asked Tony a question, he would sometimes get going, and she would have to stop him and say: "Tony, wait, I asked what the President thought." (Laughter.)
Tony brought a fierce and challenging intellect to his duties. And he displayed an engaging wit. When a reporter asked a rather labored question about Congress, Tony did not answer it. The persistent reporter pressed him: "Are you going to just evade that question?" With a smile, Tony quipped: "No, I'm going to laugh at it." (Laughter.)
I believe the reason Tony was so good at his job is that he looked at the world in a joyful way. He was a proud patriot who believed in America's goodness, and an optimist who knew America's possibilities. He believed strongly in the wisdom of the American people. And throughout his career, he took a special pride in being a vigorous and unapologetic defender of our men and women in uniform. He supported their missions, saw honor in their achievements, and found every possible opportunity to highlight their character and courage.
Tony Snow, the professional, is a hard act to follow. Tony Snow, the man, is simply irreplaceable. Everyone who worked with him quickly grew to love him. We will always remember his wry sense of humor and abundant goodness. We'll also remember he was just a lot of fun. After all, he played six different musical instruments and was a proud member of a band called Beats Working. He may be one of the few people in history to have jammed on the South Lawn of the White House and with Jethro Tull. (Laughter.)
We remember Tony's thoughtfulness. No matter how busy he was, this was a man who put others first. He would go out of his way to ask about people's families. He would check in with friends whenever he heard they were ill. He'd reach out to others, sometimes strangers, who were struggling with cancer. Even when he was going through difficult chemotherapy sessions, he sent inspirational e-mails to a friend whose son was suffering from a serious illness.
We remember Tony's resilient spirit. When he received a second diagnosis of cancer, he did not turn to despair. He saw it as another challenge to tackle. He found comfort in the prayers he received from millions of Americans. As he told the graduates here at Catholic University last year, "Never underestimate the power of other people's love and prayer. They have incredible power. It's as if I've been carried on the shoulders of an entire army. And they made me weightless."
Most of all, we remember Tony's love of his family. There was no doubt for Tony Snow that his family was first. When Jill reached a milestone birthday, Tony had a huge celebration. He later said that he and Jill danced that night as if they were teenagers. He said he was the most fortunate man in the world to have shared love like that. So, today, Jill, our hearts are with you, and we thank you for giving Tony such a special life.
For Robbie, Kendall, and Kristi, you are in our thoughts and prayers, as well. We thank you for sharing your dad with us. He talked about you all the time. He wanted nothing more than your happiness and success. You know, I used to call Tony on the weekends to get his advice. And invariably, I found him with you on the soccer field, or at a swim meet, or helping with your homework. He loved you a lot. Today I hope you know that we loved him a lot, too.
I know it's hard to make sense of today. It is impossible to fully comprehend why such a good and vital man was taken from us so soon. But these are the great mysteries of life -- and Tony knew as well as anyone that they're not ours to unveil.
The day Tony was born was also the day that many of his fellow Catholics pay tribute to Saint Justin. Justin was also a gifted thinker and writer, and a powerful witness for the Christian faith. Because of his beliefs, he suffered many times of trial, and in the year 165 A.D. he was arrested. Before he received a sentence of death, he was asked: "If you are killed, do you suppose you will go to heaven?" Justin replied: "I do not suppose it, but I know and am fully persuaded of it."
Tony Snow knew that, as well. That brought him great peace. When talking about the struggle he waged so admirably, he said that no matter how bad times may sometimes seem, "God doesn't promise tomorrow, he does promise eternity."
And so today we send this man of faith and character and joy on his final journey. Tony Snow has left the City of Washington for the City of God. May he find eternal rest in the arms of his Savior. And may the Author of all creation watch over his family and all those who loved him, admired him, and will always cherish his memory.
PHOTOS OF THE DAY
President Bush waves as he walks to a vehicle at the Redding Municipal Airport in Redding, Calif., Thursday, July 17, 2008. Bush traveled to Northern California where he and Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger toured, by helicopter, some of the fire ravaged areas of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Hi
As promised ping to the dose where I have put the text of the President’s speech at Tony’s funeral today plus at the end of the Calfornia photos there are some photos of mourners at the funeral today.
President Bush and first lady Laura Bush walk from Marine One upon their arrival at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, Thursday, July 17, 2008, prior to taking Air Force One to California
President George W. Bush waves as he walks to Air Force One. Bush paid tribute Thursday to his late press secretary, Tony Snow, telling fellow mourners at the spokesman's funeral that he brought a sense of fun to the business of politics.
President Bush, accompanied by Col. Paul R. Ackerley, Commander 316th Wing, waves upon his arrival at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, Thursday, July 17, 2008.
President George W. Bush bids farewell to first lady Laura Bush as he boards Air Force One for a flight to California to inspect wildfire damage, at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, July 17, 2008
Hi snugs—
Great timing! What a sad day, of Tony Snow’s funeral. Beautiful words by the President.
President Bush boards Air Force One, Thursday, July 17, 2008, at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.
President Bush waves prior to boarding Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, Thursday, July 17, 2008, before departing to California.
President Bush waves as he walks down the stairs from Air Force One at Redding Municipal Airport in Redding, Calif., Thursday, July 17, 2008. Bush traveled to Northern California where he and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger toured, by helicopter some of the fire ravaged areas of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest
President George W. Bush (R) shakes hands with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as he arrives for an inspection tour of wildfire damage and response in Redding, California, July 17, 2008
President George W. Bush (C) and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (L) greet local Mayor Mary Stegall (2nd R) as Bush arrives for an inspection tour of wildfire damage and response in Redding, California, July 17, 2008.
President Bush, center, walks with Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, R-Calif., left, and Redding Mayor Mary Stegall, right, to a briefing on the California wildfires Thursday, July 17, 2008 in Redding, Calif.
President Bush, right, and Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger walk to a waiting vehicle after the arrival of Air Force One at Redding Municipal Airport in Redding, Calif., Thursday, July 17, 2008. The President traveled to Northern California where he and Schwarzenegger toured, by helicopter, some of the fire ravaged areas of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest
President Bush waves as he walks to a vehicle at the Redding Municipal Airport in Redding, Calif., Thursday, July 17, 2008. The President traveled to Northern California where he and Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger toured, by helicopter, some of the fire ravaged areas of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest
President George W. Bush (C) and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (2nd R) get a briefing from US Forest Service Regional Forester Randy Moore (R) during an inspection tour of wildfire damage and response in Redding, California, July 17, 2008
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (L) and US President George W. Bush (2nd L) greet first responder managers at an inspection tour of wildfire damage and response in Redding, California, July 17, 2008
President George W. Bush (C) greets US Forest Service smokejumpers as they prepare parachutes for firefighters, during Bush's inspection tour of wildfire damage and response in Redding, California, July 17, 2008
President Bush rides on Marine One over a plane used to fight the California wildfires during an aerial tour of the area Thursday, July 17, 2008 in Redding, Calif.
President George W. Bush views fire damage via helicopter on an inspection tour of wildfire damage and response in Redding, California, July 17, 2008
President Bush rides on Marine One past a fire line cut by firefighters as he tours the California wildfires Thursday, July 17, 2008 in Redding, Calif.
President George W. Bush (L) and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) make a statement to reporters after an inspection tour of wildfire damage and response in Redding, California, July 17, 2008
President George W. Bush (C), California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) (L) talk to reporters outside an airplane hanger after an inspection tour of wildfire damage and response in Redding, California, July 17, 2008.
President Bush, center, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, R-Calif., left, greet firefighters after speaking about the California wildfires Thursday, July 17, 2008 in Redding, Calif.
Guests arrive for the funeral for former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow at the Basillica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception July 17, 2008 in Washington, DC. U.S. President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush attended the funeral for Snow, who died Saturday after a long battle with colon cancer.
Fox talks show host Bill O'Reilly arrives for funeral services for former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow, Thursday, July 17, 2008, at the Basillica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington
CBS News anchor Katie Couric attends the funeral of former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow, Thursday, July 17, 2008, at the Basillica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.
Former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan, left, leaves the funeral for former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow, Thursday, July 17, 2008, at the Basillica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.
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Former White House Press Secretary Joe Lockhart, center, and others, arrives to attend the funeral of former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow, Thursday, July 17, 2008, at the Basillica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington
The casket containing the remains of former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow is carried from the Basillica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, July 17, 2008, following funeral services
The casket of former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow is carried from the Basillica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, Thursday, July 17, 2008, following funeral services. His wife Jill and their children follow behind.
Jill Snow, widow of former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow, center, holds hands with their daughters as they leave the Basillica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, Thursday, July 17, 2008, following funeral services.
Mourners leave the funeral services for former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow, Thursday, July 17, 2008, at the Basillica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.
What a wonderful tribute to Tony by the President.
Hopefully with not working on Friday afternoons I can get the toasters done, so if you are owed a toaster please ping or freep me your choice and I will try to oblige.
May God bless and keep the Snow family.
Thank you, snugs!
Hi great to see you my FRiend, yes sad day but wonderful words by the President about a good man who had many friends from all sides of the political debate.
Thanks snugs, for tonight’s Dose. The President’s tribute to Tony was amazing. Immaculate Conception is a gorgeous shrine. My highschool trip was to Washington DC and we had a Mass there. It’s huge, too!
Scott McClellan — the cheese stands alone.
Thank you. That’s is okay, whenever you have time is fine with me. I haven’t even chosen the photo for my last toaster. I will let you know via Freepmail.
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