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WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 2, 2008) - President Bush and the
chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff today issued messages to
servicemembers and the American public ahead of the Independence
Day holiday.
Bush and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen paid tribute to servicemembers
past and present who have answered their nation's call to duty.
"On this occasion, we pay special tribute to the men and women
of our Armed Forces," Bush said, "who have answered freedom's call
and defended the values that make America the greatest country on
earth."
The president cited the bold and courageous visionaries of two
centuries ago for signing the Declaration of Independence.
"Guided by ancient and eternal truths, our forefathers
proclaimed to the world that liberty was the natural right of all
mankind and in doing so began one of the greatest chapters in human
history," he said. "On the Fourth of July, our country commemorates
the great achievements of these heroes and reaffirms its unwavering
confidence in the power of freedom."
Bush credited desire for freedom as the inspiration of America's
founding fathers, and said "belief in the universality of freedom"
guides the United States today.
Echoing the president's praise of military members, Mullen
offered gratitude to servicemembers on behalf of himself and the
Joint Chiefs. He said examples are rare in U.S. history when the
upcoming anniversary has fallen at so critical and dangerous a
time.
"Al-Qaida has been beaten back in Iraq, but it is not defeated.
The Taliban still claws for power in Afghanistan," he said.
"Extremists of all kinds all over the world still plot against us,
our fellow citizens, and our allies and friends.
"And yet still you serve," he continued. "Still you
sacrifice."
Mullen said that as Americans everywhere celebrate the Fourth of
July with fireworks and parades, they will do so grateful for
service and sacrifice of U.S. military members.
"Wherever you are, whatever you are doing," he said, addressing
servicemembers, "thank you for your service -- and that of your
families -- at this critical time. Thank you for the gift of our
freedom."
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