    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [May 12, 2006]
    [Page 924]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of G.V. ``Sonny'' Montgomery
    May 12, 2006

        Laura and I and the entire Bush family are
    saddened by the death of a good friend and patriot, Sonny Montgomery.
    Sonny Montgomery served during World War II and the Korean war, and he
    was a tireless advocate for America's veterans throughout his three
    decades in the House of Representatives. He sponsored the Montgomery GI
    bill, which has helped make higher education and professional training
    accessible to millions of our veterans. In 2005, he was awarded the
    Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation's highest civil award, in
    recognition of his lifetime of service to the United States. We send our
    condolences and prayers to the Montgomery family.