    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [November 10, 2007]
    [Pages 1454-1455]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    November 10, 2007

        Good morning. This weekend, Americans mark two important dates in
    our Nation's history. On Saturday, we celebrate the 232d birthday of the
    United States Marine Corps. And on Sunday, we celebrate Veterans Day and
    give thanks for all those who have worn the uniform of America's Armed
    Forces.
        The Marine Corps was born in a Philadelphia tavern in 1775. Since
    then, the Marines have become one of the world's premier fighting
    forces. Their courage and valor in battle have earned them the respect
    of friend and foe alike. And today, a new generation of marines is
    writing another chapter in that proud tradition. Young marines are
    serving on the frontlines in the war on terror in Iraq, Afghanistan, and
    around the world. As the Marines celebrate their birthday, we join them
    in recognizing what their sacrifice and service has meant for our
    freedom.
        America owes a debt of gratitude to all those who have served in our
    Armed Forces. On Veterans Day, we remember those who have served in
    previous wars, those who are serving today, and those who did not live
    to become veterans.
        Veterans Day also reminds us of our solemn responsibility to care
    for those who have fought our Nation's wars. Under my administration,
    Federal spending for our veterans has increased by more than two-thirds.
    We have extended medical treatment to a million additional veterans,
    including hundreds of thousands returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. And
    we have expanded grants to help homeless veterans across the country.
        These are the generous actions of a grateful nation. And to build on
    them, I nominated a good man to head our Department of Veterans Affairs,
    Doctor James Peake. Doctor Peake is an Army
    doctor, a retired lieutenant general, and a combat veteran who was
    wounded twice in Vietnam and decorated for his valor.
        When confirmed by the Senate, Doctor Peake will take on an important task: continuing my
    administration's work to implement the recommendations of the bipartisan
    Dole-Shalala Commission on Wounded Warriors. These recommendations are vital to
    ensuring better care for our veterans, and Congress needs to confirm
    Doctor Peake so he can lead the way in this crucial effort.
        Some of the Commission's recommendations require legislative action,
    such as updating the disability system to fully meet the needs of our
    wounded warriors. So my administration has sent Congress a bill that
    would enact all the legislative steps recommended by the Commission.
    This is a good bill. Our wounded warriors and their families are
    counting on it, and I urge Democrats and Republicans to come together to
    pass it as quickly as possible.
        Congress can also meet its responsibility to our veterans by passing
    a clean Veterans Affairs appropriations bill. Unfortunately,
    congressional leaders let the fiscal year end without passing this bill
    they know our veterans need. So I urged Congress to pass this bill by
    Veterans Day, and they still have failed to send me this vital
    legislation. The time to act is running out. There are now just 4 days
    left on the legislative calendar before Congress leaves town for their
    Thanksgiving break. The best way Members of Congress can give thanks to
    our veterans is to send me a clean bill that I can sign into law.
        On this Veterans Day, I urge every American to take time to thank
    one of our Nation's 24 million veterans. They come from different
    generations and different backgrounds. But they are united by a
    commitment to honor, duty, and love of country that has kept America
    free. They continue

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    to strengthen and inspire our Nation. And we will never forget what we
    owe them.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 7:50 a.m. on November 9 at the Bush
    Ranch in Crawford, TX, for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on November 10. The
    transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    November 9, but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. In his
    address, the President referred to former Sen. Robert J. Dole and former
    Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna E. Shalala, Cochairs,
    President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors.
    The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language
    transcript of this address.