    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [December 4, 2006]
    [Pages 2146-2147]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the Children's Holiday Reception
    December 4, 2006

        Thanks for coming. Laura and I want to
    welcome you all to the White House. We're really happy you're here. I
    think you're going to really enjoy this special occasion. My job is to
    introduce my wife, Laura Bush. [Laughter] Before I do so, though, I want
    to say something about your moms and dads. I thank you very much for
    supporting your mom and dad as they're on a very important mission for
    our country. I want you to know that they love you dearly, and the
    American people love and respect those who wear our uniform a lot.
        I know it's tough to have your mom or dad overseas, and we wish you
    all the best. But it's really important work. And so we wanted to
    welcome you here to the White House to, first of all, thank you for your
    strength, and so that you would do me a favor and e-mail your mom or dad
    who is overseas how much the Commander in Chief respects them, admires
    them, and supports them.

    [[Page 2147]]

        So welcome to the White House. We're glad you're here. And now I'm
    going to introduce my wife, Laura Bush.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:40 a.m. in the East Room at the White
    House. The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary also
    included the remarks of the First Lady.