[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 12 (Monday, March 27, 2006)]
[Pages 530-531]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Following a Meeting With Iraq and Afghanistan Nongovernmental 
Organizations

March 21, 2006

    I want to thank you all for coming. Laura and I have really enjoyed 
our visit.
    We're talking today to people who have decided to try to help 
improve the lives of folks in Afghanistan and Iraq. And I just marvel at 
the fact that Americans from around our country have heard a call to 
help somebody realize the benefits of freedom. And you know, governments 
can help, and we will help. And obviously, we've got a brave military 
trying to secure freedom in Afghanistan and Iraq. But one of the real 
powerful parts of developing civil societies in these two countries is 
the fact that fellow citizens are willing to interface with citizens in 
Iraq and Afghanistan.
    We've heard stories about Afghan women education programs and Iraqi 
Fulbright programs and programs to help hospitals and programs to 
welcome intellectuals--all aimed at helping these societies that were 
once brutalized by tyrants realize the great benefits and blessings of 
liberty. And we've got--I'm sure a lot of our citizens don't realize 
this, but there are thousands of--I would call them social 
entrepreneurs, who are figuring out ways to help improve the human 
condition in these two liberated countries.
    And I want to thank you all very much. It's heartening to hear your 
stories, and it makes me--give me--once again gives me great reason to 
be proud of our country and the people who live here. So thank you all 
for coming. God bless your work.

Note: The President spoke at 2:56 p.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the 
White House.

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