    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [February 5, 2004]
    [Pages 182-184]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast
    February 5, 2004

        Thank you and good morning. Laura and I are
    honored to join you once again for this annual prayer breakfast. This
    event brings us together for fellowship, and it's a good chance to see
    who gets up early in Washington. [Laughter]
        I appreciate the warm welcome. I appreciate the friendship and the
    kindred spirit. All of us believe in the power of prayer. And for a lot
    of people here in Washington, a prayer has been answered with three
    words: Coach Joe Gibbs. [Laughter] Joe is admired
    for a great career, and even more, he is respected for his convictions
    and his character. Joe, we're glad to see you back on the job. I'm all
    in favor of second terms. [Laughter]
        This event is also a chance to hear beautiful songs of praise.
    Shortly, we'll hear the wonderful voice of Twila Paris. And Laura and I were delighted
    once again to hear the Watoto chorus from Uganda. This is our third time
    to hear these beautiful voices. I hope to hear them a lot more. These
    boys and girls have known great sadness and loss, yet their voices carry
    a message of hope and joy. And we're so glad--so glad--they could be
    with us here this morning.
        I appreciate being in the presence of John Abizaid, our general. He is a decent

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    and honorable man. I want to thank Senators Inhofe and Nelson for taking time out of
    their busy days to organize this important prayer breakfast. I
    appreciate your leadership. I appreciate being in the presence of--
    [applause]--a little slow to catch on there.
        I see the majority leader, Frist, is here, and a lot of Members of
    the Senate, and a lot of Members of the House. Thank you all for coming,
    members of my Cabinet who are here, members of the Joint Chiefs I see,
    distinguished citizens.
        When we come together every year, we leave aside the debates of the
    working day. We recognize our dependence on God and pray with one voice
    for His blessings on our country. We're in the Capital of the most
    powerful nation on Earth, yet we recognize the limits of all earthly
    power. God serves His own purposes and does not owe us an explanation.
    In prayer, we ask for wisdom and guidance, and the answers seldom come
    in blinding revelations. Yet prayer can bring good things, grace for the
    moment and faith in the future.
        Americans are a prayerful people, and this past year we've offered
    many prayers. We have prayed for the safety of our Nation and for those
    who defend us. We've prayed for the families of men and women killed or
    wounded in conflict, that in grief and trouble, God may be their refuge
    and their strength. We've prayed for the people of Iraq and Afghanistan,
    that they may live in safety and in freedom. Many Americans have prayed
    every day and every week for those in authority, and I thank them for
    that wonderful gift, and I know you do as well.
        Many prayers also express our gratitude, and Americans in a time of
    danger have found much to be grateful for. We are thankful for the
    goodness and character of our fellow citizens, revealed on the morning
    of September the 11th and present every day in the life of this country.
    We are thankful that we live in a free nation, with the strength to
    defend our freedom. We are thankful for the brave and decent men and
    women of the United States military who volunteer to defend us all.
        America's Armed Forces have shown great skill in battle,
    perseverance under extremely difficult conditions. They've also shown
    the best of our country in other ways as well. The world has seen the
    kind of people America sends forth from our towns and neighborhoods to
    serve in freedom's cause. They are the sort of people who, when the
    fighting is done, are kind and compassionate toward innocent citizens.
    And their compassion, as much as their courage, has made this country
    proud.
        As General Abizaid can attest, the
    people under our command in Iraq have been caring and generous toward
    the people they have liberated. Seeing great need, our service men and
    women have rebuilt hospitals, repaired schools, and organized the
    donation of books and clothing and toys for Iraqi children. Others have
    helped to build clinics and lay out soccer fields.
        One member of the Army National Guard, Specialist Glenn
    Carlson, spent his time on leave in New York,
    collecting children's clothing to take back to Iraq. Here's what he
    says: ``I think that in the end, it will be the simple acts of kindness
    that make the difference.'' Specialist Carlson and many others are
    helping to build a free Iraq, not only by using force against the
    violent but by extending the friendship and compassion of the American
    people.
        Our people in uniform understand the high calling they have answered
    because they see the nation and the lives they are changing. A guardsman
    from Utah named Paul Holton has described seeing
    an Iraqi girl crying and decided then and there to help that child and
    others like her. By enlisting aid through the Internet, Chief Warrant
    Officer Holton had arranged the shipment of more than 1,600 aid packages
    from overseas. Here's how this man defines his own mission: ``It is part
    of our heritage that the benefits of being free, enjoyed by

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    all Americans, were set up by God, intended for all people. Bondage is
    not of God, and it is not right that any man should be in bondage at any
    time, in any way.'' Everyone in this room can say amen to that.
        There's another part of our heritage we are showing in Iraq, and
    that is the great American tradition of religious tolerance. The Iraqi
    people are mostly Muslims, and we respect the faith they practice. Our
    troops in Iraq have helped to refurbish mosques, have treated Muslim
    clerics with deference, and are mindful of Islam's holy days. Some of
    our troops are Muslims themselves, because America welcomes people of
    every faith. Christians and Jews and Muslims have too often been divided
    by old suspicions, but we are called to act as what we are, the sons and
    daughters of Abraham.
        Our work in a troubled part of the world goes on, and what we have
    begun, we will finish. In the years of challenge, our country will
    remain strong and strong of heart. And as we meet whatever test might
    come, let us never be too proud to acknowledge our dependence on
    Providence and to take our cares to God.
        I want to thank you for continuing this fine annual tradition and
    for your hospitality. May God bless you, and may He always watch over
    our country. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 7:50 a.m. at the Washington Hilton Hotel.
    In his remarks, he referred to Joe Gibbs, head coach, Washington
    Redskins, National Football League; Gen. John P. Abizaid, USA, combatant
    commander, U.S. Central Command; and Senators James M. Inhofe and Bill
    Nelson, cochairmen, National Prayer Breakfast.