[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]]