    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [May 9, 2007]
    [Pages 553-554]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Tour of Tornado Damage in Greensburg, Kansas
    May 9, 2007

        I bring the prayers and concerns of the people of this country to
    this town of Greensburg, Kansas. A lot of us have seen the pictures
    about what happened here, and the pictures don't do it justice. There is
    a lot of destruction. Fortunately, a lot of folks have basements here in
    this part of the world and lived to see another day. Unfortunately, too
    many died, and we offer our prayers and condolences to those who died.
        I am struck by the strength of the character of the people who live
    here in the Plains--people who refuse to be--who refuse to have their
    spirit affected by this storm, as a matter of fact, who are willing to
    do what it takes to rebuild in a better way. America is blessed to have
    such people. And the people here will be--will find they're blessed to
    have neighbors who care, a total stranger who will come and help them.
        Our role as government officials is to work with the State and local
    folks to get whatever help is appropriate here, whatever help is in the
    law to be here as quickly as possible. My mission is to--today, though,
    is to lift people's spirits as best

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    as I possibly can; is to, hopefully, touch somebody's soul by
    representing our country and to let people know that while there was a
    dark day in the past, there's brighter days ahead.
        And so I want to thank the Governor
    and I want to thank the Senators for being here. Most importantly, I
    want to thank the people of Greensburg and their neighbors for helping
    them out. God bless the people here. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 12:05 p.m. on Bay Street. In his remarks,
    he referred to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas.