    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [June 28, 2006]
    [Pages 1224-1225]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Meeting With Military Personnel in St. Louis,
    Missouri
    June 28, 2006

        I want to thank you all for coming. I just had a discussion with
    fellow citizens in the Guard, Reserve, and active duty who have been in
    both Iraq and Afghanistan. I want to thank you for sharing your insights
    with me. Thank you for your service to the country.
        I told these men and women that their service is necessary for the
    security of the United States of America and that they're serving in
    historic times. And one day, their children will be able to look back
    and say, ``My dad or my mom went to Iraq and Afghanistan and helped a
    young country become a democracy, and therefore, the world is more
    peaceful for it.''
        One of the things I am going to do is I'm going to meet with the
    family members

    [[Page 1225]]

    of these good people and express our country's gratitude for their
    service as well. A lot of times military families don't get proper
    thanks, and I can't wait to meet your loved ones and tell them firsthand
    that the country appreciates your service.
        One thing I told these good folks is that this country stands with
    the people wearing our Nation's uniform. We're with you. We know the
    work is hard, but the work is necessary. And we're winning, and we're
    winning. And the world is going to be better off because of your
    courageous service, and I thank you for it.
        Thanks for letting me come by and visit. I appreciate it.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:41 p.m. at VFW Overland-St. Ann Memorial
    Post 3944.