    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [March 26, 2005]
    [Pages 521-523]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    March 26, 2005

        Good morning. This weekend, millions of Americans celebrate the
    joyous holiday of Easter. Easter is the most important event of the
    Christian faith, when people around the world join together with family
    and friends to celebrate the power of love conquering death.
        At Easter time we pray for all who serve in our military. The
    outstanding members of our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine

    [[Page 522]]

    Corps, and Coast Guard are keeping America secure and advancing liberty
    in the world. We remember especially those who have given their lives in
    freedom's cause. Their sacrifice is a testament to the words of
    scripture: ``Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his
    life for his friends.''
        Easter has a special meaning for the families of our men and women
    in uniform who miss their loved ones during the holidays. It can be very
    difficult when someone you love is deployed on a dangerous mission in a
    distant land. I appreciate the sacrifices our military families are
    making, and Americans know that their contributions are vital to our
    success in the war on terror.
        This week we have seen tragedy at home. Families in Minnesota are
    mourning the loss of their loved ones after the terrible shootings at
    Red Lake High School. Hours after the shooting, communities and churches
    across the Nation offered prayers for the victims and their families.
    The Red Lake Nation reports receiving thousands of calls from people all
    over the world offering their sympathy and support. Laura and I are praying for the families of the victims, as
    are millions of Americans.
        This week I spoke with Red Lake Tribal Chairman Floyd
    Jourdain to express the
    condolences of the American people and to pledge the continued help of
    the Federal Government. We are doing everything we can to meet the needs
    of the community at this tragic time. The FBI and the Department of
    Justice are working to coordinate relief through the Federal Crime
    Victim Assistance Fund. We're working closely with State, local, and
    tribal authorities to provide counseling, help with funeral
    arrangements, and other assistance.
        The tragedy at Red Lake was accompanied by acts of heroism and
    selflessness. A security guard named Derrick Brun saved the lives of countless students when he rose
    from his desk to confront the young gunman. Although he was unarmed,
    Derrick ignored the pleas of a colleague to run
    for his life. By engaging the assailant, he bought vital time for a
    fellow security guard to rush a group of students to safety. Derrick's
    bravery cost him his life, and all Americans honor him.
        As we help the families in this community, we must do everything in
    our power to prevent tragedies like this from happening. Children
    benefit from a sense of community and the support and involvement of
    caring adults. To keep our children safe and protected, we must continue
    to foster a culture that affirms life and provides love and helps our
    young people build character.
        On this Easter weekend, we honor all Americans who give of
    themselves, from those helping neighbors at home to those defending
    liberty overseas. Easter is the victory of light over darkness. In this
    season of renewal, we remember that hope leads us closer to truth and
    that in the end, even death, itself, will be defeated. That is the
    promise of Easter morning.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 11:30 a.m. on March 25 at the Bush
    Ranch in Crawford, TX, for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on March 26. The
    transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    March 25 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. The Office
    of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of
    this address.

    [[Page 523]]