    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [November 19, 2003]
    [Pages 1579-1580]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Dinner Hosted by Queen Elizabeth II in London
    November 19, 2003

        Your Majesty, Your Royal Highness, and distinguished guests: Laura and I are deeply honored to accept Your Majesty's
    gracious hospitality and to be welcomed into

    [[Page 1580]]

    your home. Through the last century and into our own, Americans have
    appreciated the friendship of your people. And we are grateful for your
    personal commitment across five decades to the health and vitality of
    the alliance between our nations.
        Of course, things didn't start out too well. [Laughter] Yet, even at
    America's founding, our nations shared a basic belief in human liberty.
    That conviction more than anything else led to our reconciliation. And
    in time, our shared commitment to freedom became the basis of a great
    Atlantic alliance that defeated tyranny in Europe and saved the liberty
    of the world.
        The story of liberty, the story of the Magna Carta and the
    Declaration of Independence, continues in our time. The power of freedom
    has touched Asia and Latin America and Africa and beyond. And now our
    two countries are carrying out a mission of freedom and democracy in
    Afghanistan and Iraq. Once again, America and Britain are joined in the
    defense of our common values. Once again, American and British
    servicemembers are sacrificing in a necessary and noble cause. Once
    again, we are acting to secure the peace of the world.
        The bonds between our countries were formed in hard experience. We
    passed through great adversity together. We have risen through great
    challenges together. The mutual respect and fellowship between our
    countries is deep and strong and permanent.
        Let us raise our glasses to our common ideals, to our enduring
    friendships, to the preservation of our liberties, and to Her Majesty,
    the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

    Note: The President spoke at 8:49 p.m. in the Ballroom at Buckingham
    Palace. In his remarks, he referred to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
    The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary also
    included the remarks of Queen Elizabeth II. A tape was not available for
    verification of the content of these remarks.