    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [May 25, 2008]
    [Pages 725-726]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks During a Meeting With Leaders of Rolling Thunder, Inc.
    May 25, 2008

        The President. [Inaudible]--to get to know the leaders of Rolling
    Thunder. For our fellow citizens who don't know Rolling Thunder, Rolling
    Thunder is a--the moment in time here in Washington, on Memorial Day
    weekend, when thousands of motorcyclers come to the Nation's Capital to
    pay tribute to those who have died in service, those who sacrifice, and
    those who serve. And it's a magnificent sight.
        We just choppered in, Artie, and I saw your
    brothers and sisters cranking up their machines and driving through the
    Nation's Capital. Many of them have got the flag on the back. And I am
    just so honored to welcome you back. I want to thank you and all your
    comrades for being so patriotic and loving our country as much as you
    do. And I think this is the--I don't know if this is the eighth time
    we've been together here, but pretty close.
        Artie Muller. Pretty close, sir. Maybe one
    more.
        The President. Yes, one more. [Laughter] Anyway, Artie is the main man, and this is his board of directors who
    have continued to rally people around the country.
        I went to Greensburg, Kansas, Artie, and I
    came into this town that had been destroyed by a tornado. I was going to
    give the high school graduation speech, and rode in from the airport,
    and the motorcyclers were all lining the streets with the flags. And it
    made me feel great.
        When people go to protest at the funeral of one of our brave
    soldiers that died in combat, Artie's folks are
    there to make sure that those protestors don't denigrate the moment.
        And so you're doing a lot for the country.
        Mr. Muller. Thank you.
        The President. And our troops appreciate you, the veterans
    appreciate you, and your President appreciates you.
        Mr. Muller. Thank you, Mr. President.
        The President. Welcome.

    Note: The President spoke at 12:54 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House. Participating in the meeting was Artie Muller, national executive
    director, Rolling Thunder, Inc.

    [[Page 726]]