    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [March 21, 2006]
    [Pages 540-541]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Meeting With Iraq and Afghanistan Nongovernmental
    Organizations
    March 21, 2006

        I want to thank you all for coming. Laura and
    I have really enjoyed our visit.
        We're talking today to people who have decided to try to help
    improve the lives of folks in Afghanistan and Iraq. And I just marvel at
    the fact that Americans from around our country have heard a call to
    help somebody realize the benefits of freedom. And you know, governments
    can help, and we will help. And obviously, we've got a brave military
    trying to secure freedom in Afghanistan and Iraq. But one of the real
    powerful parts of developing civil societies in these two countries is
    the fact that fellow citizens are willing to interface with citizens in
    Iraq and Afghanistan.
        We've heard stories about Afghan women education programs and Iraqi
    Fulbright programs and programs to help hospitals and programs to
    welcome intellectuals, all aimed at helping these societies that were
    once brutalized by tyrants realize the great benefits and blessings of
    liberty. And we've got--I'm sure a lot of our citizens don't realize
    this, but there are thousands of, I would call them, social
    entrepreneurs, who are figuring out ways to help improve the human
    condition in these two liberated countries.
        And I want to thank you all very much. It's heartening to hear your
    stories, and it makes me--give me--once again gives

    [[Page 541]]

    me great reason to be proud of our country and the people who live here.
    So thank you all for coming. God bless your work.

    Note: The President spoke at 2:56 p.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House.