[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: GEORGE W. BUSH (2001, Book I)]
[April 11, 2001]
[Pages 390-391]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks in a Meeting With the Parents of Petty Officer 
Third Class Steven Blocher in Concord
April 11, 2001

    The President. I'm so honored that the Blocher family came to say 
hello. Obviously, when we were going to visit, we were just going to 
visit in a quiet way, a private way. Now that their son, Steven, will be 
coming home soon, I thought it would be appropriate for us to visit, and 
then visit some with the press.
    These good folks are patriots, as is their son. It's a patriotic 
family. We had other family members served our country. Steven was one 
of the 24. I know they're thrilled he's coming home. But I'm so 
appreciative of how this family and the other families were steadfast in 
their patriotism and loyalty. They raised a boy who loves his country, 
and we owe a debt of gratitude to not only the service men and women but 
to their parents, as well. So that's why I wanted to see you.
    Robert Blocher. This morning worked out 
even better than we had hoped. It's an honor to meet the President, but 
to meet the President under such happy circumstances was more than we 
could ask the Lord for in any way.
    The President. It's my honor to have you all. Thanks. We're watching 
very carefully.

[[Page 391]]

Progress is being made, and that's very good news for this group of 
folks.

Note: The President spoke at 12:40 p.m. at Concord Middle School during 
a meeting with Robert and Sandra Blocher. Petty Officer Third Class 
Steven Blocher was one of 24 crewmembers of the U.S. Navy EP-3E Aries II 
electronic surveillance aircraft held by the Government of China after 
the aircraft made an emergency landing on China's Hainan Island due to a 
mid-air collision with a Chinese F-8 fighter jet over the South China 
Sea on March 31. A tape was not available for verification of the 
content of these remarks.