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CNN Live Event/Special
Bush Addresses Veterans
Aired March 28, 2003 - 14:42 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
JUDY WOODRUFF, CNN ANCHOR: Let's move to the White House. President Bush greeting an audience of veterans.
ANTHONY PRINCIPI, VETERANS AFFAIRS SECRETARY: ... the life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit uplands. But if we fail, then the whole world may one day sink in the abyss (ph) of a new dark age.
Setting and holding to a course towards the sunlit uplands of a freer and safer world calls for a leader with the steadfast resolve to decisively shape events, rather than merely experience them, and the compassion to understand that freedom depends upon the commitment of the men and women wearing the uniform of our great nation. America is blessed with such a leader.
Ladies and gentlemen, George W. Bush, president of the United States.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Good afternoon. Thanks for coming. And welcome the people's house. It's my honor to welcome distinguished veterans to the White House. Especially pleased to have met with leaders from the veterans organizations at this crucial time for our country.
The men and women who have worn the nation's uniform set an example of service and an example of sacrifice for future generations, and the current generation of our military is not letting us down.
(APPLAUSE)
Today's armed forces are upholding the finest traditions of our country and of our military. They are making great progress in the war in Iraq. They are showing great courage and they're making this country proud.
I'm honored that Tony Principi introduced me.
I'm proud of his service to our country, not only as a Vietnam vet, but now as the head of the Veteran's Affairs -- Department of Veterans Affairs. He's doing a really good job.
(APPLAUSE)
I want to thank the national commanders and presidents of our national veterans service organizations for coming. I want to thank you all for your service to your fellow Americans. I appreciate your members being here with us. Particularly pleased that Brian Thacker (ph), a Medal of Honor recipient, is with us as well. I want to thank all our vets.
(APPLAUSE)
I want to thank all the vets who are here. You're here at a time when our coalition, the United States and our partners are acting together in a noble purpose. We're out to keep the peace, to make the world more peaceful, to make our nation and other nations more secure. And we're going to free the people of Iraq from the clutches of Saddam Hussein and his murderous allies.
We are sending a clear signal to the world that we will not submit to a future in which dictators and terrorists can arm and threaten the peace without consequence.
We are enforcing the demands of the United Nations. And we refuse to leave the Iraqi people in slavery under Saddam Hussein.
When the war in Iraq is won, all who have joined this cause will be able to say to the Iraqi people, "We were proud to fight for your freedom."
(APPLAUSE)
The regime that once terrorized all of Iraq now controls a small portion of that country. Coalition troops continue their steady advance and are drawing near to Baghdad. We're inflicting severe damage on enemy forces. We are now fighting the most desperate units of the dictator's army. Fierce fighting currently under way will demand further courage and further sacrifice.
Yet, we know the outcome of this battle.
The Iraqi regime will be disarmed. The Iraqi regime will be removed from power. Iraq will be free.
(APPLAUSE)
In the last week we have seen the brutal and cruel nature of a dying regime. In areas still under its control, the regime continues its rule by terror. Prisoners of war have been brutalized and executed. Iraqis who refuse to fight for the regime are being murdered.
Some in the Iraqi military have pretended to surrender, and then opened fire on coalition forces that were willing to show them mercy.
Given the nature of this regime, we expect such war crimes. But we will not excuse them.
(APPLAUSE)
War criminals will be hunted relentlessly and judged severely.
(APPLAUSE) In the last week we have also seen the nature of the young men and women who fight on our behalf. Coalition forces have begun delivering food and water to liberated parts of Iraq.
I was pleased to hear today that the United Nations Security Council acted to resume food and medical supplies under the existing U.N. program which will bring urgent relief to millions of Iraqis.
We care about the human condition of the people who have suffered under Saddam Hussein. We've provided $60 million to the World Food Programme to help get this humanitarian effort up and running.
We're shipping hundreds of thousands of metric tons of food to Iraq. In every possible way, coalition forces are showing kindness and respect to the Iraqi people. They're going to extraordinary lengths to spare the lives of the innocent. We treat wounded Iraqi soldiers.
The contrast could not be greater between the honorable conduct of our forces and the criminal acts of the enemy.
(APPLAUSE)
Every Iraqi atrocity has confirmed the justice and the urgency of our cause.
(APPLAUSE)
Against this enemy we will accept no outcome except complete victory.
(APPLAUSE)
To meet this outcome, we must give our armed services the support and the resources they require. As veterans, all of you understand the importance of a well-supplied and well-trained fighting force.
I've asked Congress for a nearly $75 billion wartime supplemental appropriations bill. This funding would provide fuel for ships and aircraft and tanks, supplies for our troops in the theater of operations, new high-tech munitions to replace the ones we have used in this war.
The supplemental would also provide funds to assist in the reconstruction of Iraq and to help protect the American homeland in this time of high alert.
I want to thank the veterans groups for their strong support, unwavering support for this wartime supplemental. And I call upon the United States Congress to pass the supplemental as quickly as possible.
(APPLAUSE)
I also appreciate all the veterans are doing for America's military families in time of hardship. I appreciate your compassion. Across our country, local chapters of the American Legion, for example, are stepping forward to help those families in practical ways, from making household repairs to helping with child care. Members of the VFW and auxiliary are sending care packages with baby supplies to military families. Operation Uplink program is helping thousands of service members keep in touch with their loved ones.
Both the American Legion and the VFW are working with the USA Freedom Corps on a project called On the Homefront. This effort will match Americans who want to volunteer their times and skills with the military families who need help.
Because of all this generosity, our men and women serving overseas will know that their loved ones are not facing this time alone.
I want to thank the veterans groups for understanding the compassion needed to help those who are here wondering and worrying about their loved ones overseas. The people who serve in the military are giving their best to this country, and we have the responsibility to give them our full support.
(APPLAUSE)
Our full support not only here in Washington, D.C., but our support all across the country.
I want to thank each veteran here today and across our land for the lifetime of service you have given our nation. I thank you for standing behind the men and women of today's armed forces as they fight for the liberty of an oppressed people, for the security of the United States and our friends and allies, and for the peace of the world.
May God bless our troops.
WOODRUFF: President Bush at the White House, meeting with the veterans' groups. As you heard him say this war will require further sacrifice, further courage on the part of our fighting men and women.
Our White House correspondent, John King, is with us. John, something that caught my ear was when the president said the regime that terrorized all of Iraq now controls only a small portion of that country. At the Pentagon, we had heard the joint chiefs chairman, Richard Myers say that Saddam Hussein doesn't control 35 to 40 percent. Is the president telling us something that we didn't know before?
JOHN KING, CNN SR. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: No, Judy, it's all part of a calculated administration strategy, amid the skepticism that the White House is voicing frustration with. The strategy from the Pentagon briefing, and now here the president himself, is to try to make the case, as he put it, that troops are on a steady advance. The message from the White House is that the plan is working. Yes, there have been some tactical setbacks in these skirmishes, but that the big picture plan is working. The president trying to voice confidence in that by making those statements about significant damage to Iraqi forces, a steady advance. Much of the country now under coalition control, but also trying to manage the expectations of the American people by making note that the toughest battles are yet ahead, and that there will be more sacrifice, meaning more casualties of American forces.
WOODRUFF: So John, when the president says we will accept no outcome except complete victory, the president, the administration believes it's important to repeat this message time and again?
KING: Repeat it to the American people and also perhaps repeat it to anyone in the Iraqi leadership who might think that because of these skirmishes, because of some of the skeptical, indeed critical coverage in the U.S. media, that perhaps the United States would say, Whoa, and scale back. Mr. Bush saying, No, no negotiations, nothing but total victory.
WOODRUFF: All right, our senior White House correspondent, John King.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired March 28, 2003 - 14:42 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
JUDY WOODRUFF, CNN ANCHOR: Let's move to the White House. President Bush greeting an audience of veterans.
ANTHONY PRINCIPI, VETERANS AFFAIRS SECRETARY: ... the life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit uplands. But if we fail, then the whole world may one day sink in the abyss (ph) of a new dark age.
Setting and holding to a course towards the sunlit uplands of a freer and safer world calls for a leader with the steadfast resolve to decisively shape events, rather than merely experience them, and the compassion to understand that freedom depends upon the commitment of the men and women wearing the uniform of our great nation. America is blessed with such a leader.
Ladies and gentlemen, George W. Bush, president of the United States.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Good afternoon. Thanks for coming. And welcome the people's house. It's my honor to welcome distinguished veterans to the White House. Especially pleased to have met with leaders from the veterans organizations at this crucial time for our country.
The men and women who have worn the nation's uniform set an example of service and an example of sacrifice for future generations, and the current generation of our military is not letting us down.
(APPLAUSE)
Today's armed forces are upholding the finest traditions of our country and of our military. They are making great progress in the war in Iraq. They are showing great courage and they're making this country proud.
I'm honored that Tony Principi introduced me.
I'm proud of his service to our country, not only as a Vietnam vet, but now as the head of the Veteran's Affairs -- Department of Veterans Affairs. He's doing a really good job.
(APPLAUSE)
I want to thank the national commanders and presidents of our national veterans service organizations for coming. I want to thank you all for your service to your fellow Americans. I appreciate your members being here with us. Particularly pleased that Brian Thacker (ph), a Medal of Honor recipient, is with us as well. I want to thank all our vets.
(APPLAUSE)
I want to thank all the vets who are here. You're here at a time when our coalition, the United States and our partners are acting together in a noble purpose. We're out to keep the peace, to make the world more peaceful, to make our nation and other nations more secure. And we're going to free the people of Iraq from the clutches of Saddam Hussein and his murderous allies.
We are sending a clear signal to the world that we will not submit to a future in which dictators and terrorists can arm and threaten the peace without consequence.
We are enforcing the demands of the United Nations. And we refuse to leave the Iraqi people in slavery under Saddam Hussein.
When the war in Iraq is won, all who have joined this cause will be able to say to the Iraqi people, "We were proud to fight for your freedom."
(APPLAUSE)
The regime that once terrorized all of Iraq now controls a small portion of that country. Coalition troops continue their steady advance and are drawing near to Baghdad. We're inflicting severe damage on enemy forces. We are now fighting the most desperate units of the dictator's army. Fierce fighting currently under way will demand further courage and further sacrifice.
Yet, we know the outcome of this battle.
The Iraqi regime will be disarmed. The Iraqi regime will be removed from power. Iraq will be free.
(APPLAUSE)
In the last week we have seen the brutal and cruel nature of a dying regime. In areas still under its control, the regime continues its rule by terror. Prisoners of war have been brutalized and executed. Iraqis who refuse to fight for the regime are being murdered.
Some in the Iraqi military have pretended to surrender, and then opened fire on coalition forces that were willing to show them mercy.
Given the nature of this regime, we expect such war crimes. But we will not excuse them.
(APPLAUSE)
War criminals will be hunted relentlessly and judged severely.
(APPLAUSE) In the last week we have also seen the nature of the young men and women who fight on our behalf. Coalition forces have begun delivering food and water to liberated parts of Iraq.
I was pleased to hear today that the United Nations Security Council acted to resume food and medical supplies under the existing U.N. program which will bring urgent relief to millions of Iraqis.
We care about the human condition of the people who have suffered under Saddam Hussein. We've provided $60 million to the World Food Programme to help get this humanitarian effort up and running.
We're shipping hundreds of thousands of metric tons of food to Iraq. In every possible way, coalition forces are showing kindness and respect to the Iraqi people. They're going to extraordinary lengths to spare the lives of the innocent. We treat wounded Iraqi soldiers.
The contrast could not be greater between the honorable conduct of our forces and the criminal acts of the enemy.
(APPLAUSE)
Every Iraqi atrocity has confirmed the justice and the urgency of our cause.
(APPLAUSE)
Against this enemy we will accept no outcome except complete victory.
(APPLAUSE)
To meet this outcome, we must give our armed services the support and the resources they require. As veterans, all of you understand the importance of a well-supplied and well-trained fighting force.
I've asked Congress for a nearly $75 billion wartime supplemental appropriations bill. This funding would provide fuel for ships and aircraft and tanks, supplies for our troops in the theater of operations, new high-tech munitions to replace the ones we have used in this war.
The supplemental would also provide funds to assist in the reconstruction of Iraq and to help protect the American homeland in this time of high alert.
I want to thank the veterans groups for their strong support, unwavering support for this wartime supplemental. And I call upon the United States Congress to pass the supplemental as quickly as possible.
(APPLAUSE)
I also appreciate all the veterans are doing for America's military families in time of hardship. I appreciate your compassion. Across our country, local chapters of the American Legion, for example, are stepping forward to help those families in practical ways, from making household repairs to helping with child care. Members of the VFW and auxiliary are sending care packages with baby supplies to military families. Operation Uplink program is helping thousands of service members keep in touch with their loved ones.
Both the American Legion and the VFW are working with the USA Freedom Corps on a project called On the Homefront. This effort will match Americans who want to volunteer their times and skills with the military families who need help.
Because of all this generosity, our men and women serving overseas will know that their loved ones are not facing this time alone.
I want to thank the veterans groups for understanding the compassion needed to help those who are here wondering and worrying about their loved ones overseas. The people who serve in the military are giving their best to this country, and we have the responsibility to give them our full support.
(APPLAUSE)
Our full support not only here in Washington, D.C., but our support all across the country.
I want to thank each veteran here today and across our land for the lifetime of service you have given our nation. I thank you for standing behind the men and women of today's armed forces as they fight for the liberty of an oppressed people, for the security of the United States and our friends and allies, and for the peace of the world.
May God bless our troops.
WOODRUFF: President Bush at the White House, meeting with the veterans' groups. As you heard him say this war will require further sacrifice, further courage on the part of our fighting men and women.
Our White House correspondent, John King, is with us. John, something that caught my ear was when the president said the regime that terrorized all of Iraq now controls only a small portion of that country. At the Pentagon, we had heard the joint chiefs chairman, Richard Myers say that Saddam Hussein doesn't control 35 to 40 percent. Is the president telling us something that we didn't know before?
JOHN KING, CNN SR. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: No, Judy, it's all part of a calculated administration strategy, amid the skepticism that the White House is voicing frustration with. The strategy from the Pentagon briefing, and now here the president himself, is to try to make the case, as he put it, that troops are on a steady advance. The message from the White House is that the plan is working. Yes, there have been some tactical setbacks in these skirmishes, but that the big picture plan is working. The president trying to voice confidence in that by making those statements about significant damage to Iraqi forces, a steady advance. Much of the country now under coalition control, but also trying to manage the expectations of the American people by making note that the toughest battles are yet ahead, and that there will be more sacrifice, meaning more casualties of American forces.
WOODRUFF: So John, when the president says we will accept no outcome except complete victory, the president, the administration believes it's important to repeat this message time and again?
KING: Repeat it to the American people and also perhaps repeat it to anyone in the Iraqi leadership who might think that because of these skirmishes, because of some of the skeptical, indeed critical coverage in the U.S. media, that perhaps the United States would say, Whoa, and scale back. Mr. Bush saying, No, no negotiations, nothing but total victory.
WOODRUFF: All right, our senior White House correspondent, John King.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
