    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [April 14, 2003]
    [Page 341]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 341]]

    Videotaped Remarks to America's Military and Their Families
    April 14, 2003

        My fellow citizens:
        When freedom needs defending, America turns to our military. I want
    to thank those who wear our uniform. Thank you for your sacrifice. And
    as our men and women in uniform do their job, they count on their
    families. This time of war has been a time of hardship for many military
    families. Some of you have been separated from your loved ones by long
    deployments. You're dealing with added burdens at home while praying for
    your husband or wife, son or daughter, father or mother far from home.
    All of America is grateful for your sacrifice.
        Over the last few weeks, the world has witnessed what you already
    know, that our Armed Forces act with great skill and great courage and
    great humanity. Images of the Iraqi people welcoming our troops in
    cities across that country are a testament to the character of our men
    and women in uniform.
        Our forces have been given a clear mission, to end a regime that
    threatened its neighbors and the world with weapons of mass destruction
    and to free a people that had suffered far too long. American and
    coalition forces are treating innocent civilians with kindness,
    delivering urgently needed food and medicine, and acting in the highest
    traditions of the United States military. Our whole Nation is proud of
    the honorable conduct of our military, and I am proud to be your
    Commander in Chief.
        All who wear this Nation's uniform have chosen to serve in America's
    defense and in freedom's cause. You and your families deserve the
    gratitude of the Nation and the full support of our Government. We will
    give you the tools and training you need to win our Nation's battles.
    And we will keep our commitment to improving the quality of life for our
    military families.
        This Nation has made another pledge: We will never forget the men
    and women who have fallen in service to America. We owe them our
    freedom. And we pray that their loved ones will receive God's comfort
    and God's grace.
        All of you know that great military successes comes from years of
    hard work, training, and commitment. You stand tall in times of
    conflict, and you stand ready in times of peace. For your daily effort,
    for your professionalism, and for your patriotism, I thank you on behalf
    of the people of the United States.
        May God bless our country and all who defend her.

    Note: The President's remarks were videotaped at approximately 10:20
    a.m. on April 11 in the Map Room at the White House for later broadcast.
    The videotape was played in the Press Secretary's press gaggle on April
    14, and copies were made available by the Office of the Press Secretary,
    but the transcript was not issued as a White House press release. A
    Spanish language transcript of these remarks was also made available.