    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [April 24, 2008]
    [Pages 576-578]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks to Participants of the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride
    April 24, 2008

        Thanks for coming. Doocy, thanks for the
    introduction. This has got to be one of the most inspiring athletic
    events in our Nation's history. At least it is for me, and I hope it is
    for you.
        I was going to ride with the guys today, but Laura told me I probably wouldn't be able to keep up.
    [Laughter] I'm--there is no doubt in my mind the people behind me are
    some of the most bravest people in our country's history. I admire their
    courage; I admire their determination. We're honored to have you here.
        I'm also joined by the Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. Thank you for coming, Madam Secretary. Secretary
    Jim Peake of the Department of Veterans
    Affairs is with us. Deputy Secretary Gordon England is with us. Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, are here--other members of
    my administration and Members of Congress. The reason they're there is
    the same reason I'm here: We love and respect our military. And I thank
    you for coming.
        I want to thank Granger Smith and the band
    for joining us today. Thanks for being here.
        I appreciate those who wear the uniform who have joined us. I'm
    proud of you. Thanks for serving. I want to thank the

    [[Page 577]]

    wounded warriors. I want to thank their caregivers from Walter Reed and
    Bethesda. I appreciate the members of the Wounded Warrior Project. And I
    want to thank the family members and friends who are here today. Welcome
    to the White House.
        Four years ago, Chris Carney decided to
    ride coast to coast to raise awareness and money for our wounded
    warriors. In the first year, he biked more than 5,000 miles from Long
    Island to the Pacific Ocean and raised more than a million dollars for
    the Wounded Warrior Project. He started what's called the annual Soldier
    Ride.
        Next year, wounded vets started coming along. In 2006, 75 wounded
    warriors took turns riding portions of the cross-country journey. These
    service men and women rode to raise money for their fellow soldiers,
    including those who were hurt too much to ride. And they also rode to
    show themselves what they could do. And in so doing, they showed the
    world what they could do.
        Americans came out to cheer. More soldiers and supporters came out
    to ride. More Americans then came out to show their support, so the
    Soldier Ride started doing different races around the country so even
    more of our citizens could participate. Today hundreds of people have
    gathered here on the South Lawn to kick off this ride, and I want to
    thank you all for being here.
        The 3-day bike ride you're starting today at the White House says a
    lot. It says that you're showing that even when you're wounded, you're
    not done fighting. One of the riders today is Marine Corporal Chad
    Watson. I've gotten to know Chad. I met him
    when I was at Walter Reed 3 weeks after his Humvee was hit with an IED
    on patrol in Fallujah. He lost his right leg; he shattered his left
    ankle and foot; he took shrapnel to his face. And when I went into his
    room, he wanted to stand at attention and shake hands with the Commander
    in Chief, as well as salute.
        He got up to his walker--his
    daddy helped him and so did his brother--he held himself upright with his arm
    strength while a fellow marine read his accommodation, and I had the
    honor of giving him the Purple Heart.
        I told him to sit down. He didn't want
    to; he was a marine. And now he's here. He's got a new leg, and thanks
    to that leg, Chad will be able to start on even a greater journey than
    the one he begins today. This summer, he's going to walk down the aisle
    to get married to his beautiful bride.
    We're glad you're here.
        The technology that you're witnessing today is helping our troops
    regain their lives. And it's state of the art, and that's the way it
    should be. We owe those who wear the uniform all the support they can
    possibly have. We'll give them the best medical care. And for the docs
    and nurses here, there's no doubt in my mind, our troops get the best
    medical care possible.
        We owe them the best prosthesis. And if there's a new advance, it
    will be made available for our folks. We owe them a Veterans Health
    Administration that's seamless and works well. We owe them our thanks.
        These servicemembers are focused on what you have to give than what
    you've lost. I appreciate the spirit of those in the Soldier Ride.
        I thank my fellow citizens for supporting our troops. I appreciate
    the fact that the families have stood by those who wear the uniform. I
    appreciate your loved ones who are here today to cheer you on. The
    riders represent the spirit of the strongest military in the world and
    the greatest country on Earth. I'm thankful that we have brave men and
    women like you who step forward to protect America. I'm proud to be your
    Commander in Chief.
        And now let us get started. God bless you.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:26 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House. In his

    [[Page 578]]

    remarks, he referred to Steve Doocy, anchor, FOX News Channel's ``Fox
    and Friends''; Chris Carney, founder, Wounded Warrior Project Soldier
    Ride; and Jillian Kinsella, fiancee of Cpl. Chad M. Watson, USMC.