    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 25 (Monday, June 26, 2006)]
    [Pages 1177-1183]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Commencement Address at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in
    Kings Point, New York

    June 19, 2006

        The President. Thank you for the warm welcome--if you know what I
    mean. [Laughter] Admiral Stewart, Secretary Mineta, Members of the
    United States Congress, Academy staff and faculty, distinguished guests,
    proud family members, and most importantly, the class of 2006, I'm
    honored to be the first President to address the United States Merchant
    Marine Academy. I know that a Presidential visit to Kings Point has been
    a long time in coming. And, Admiral, I hope it's worth the wait.
    [Laughter]
        This is a proud moment for the class of 2006. You have worked hard
    for this day. You sweated through the hardest indoc in Academy history;
    you braved the Jamaican beef patties of Delano Hall. [Laughter] You
    spent a year when your classroom was a ship and your campus the seven
    seas; you've made it through endless drills on the Grinder; you've
    survived the restriction musters that come with missing the train back
    from Manhattan. This fall, your football team brought home the
    Secretaries Cup by beating the Coast Guard. You've rung the bell outside
    Wiley

    [[Page 1178]]

    Hall. And the words etched in your class ring affirm your commitment to
    teamwork: ``Not for you, not for me, but for us.'' Your parents are
    proud of you; your teachers are proud of you; and this Academy is proud
    of you. On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you on a fine
    achievement, and I thank you for choosing to serve the United States of
    America.
        This morning I flew here on Air Force One with my friend Andy Card.
    You might remember Andy--he was my former chief of staff, and he
    attended this Academy in the 1960s. It just so happens, when he was a
    plebe, he was stuffed in a duffel bag and run up the flagpole.
    [Laughter] I know he appreciates the much warmer welcome he received
    here today. [Laughter]
        Secretary Card also reminded me that the President of the United
    States has the authority to lift all demerits and restrictions. So I
    bring you a graduation present. [Laughter] In keeping with the
    longstanding tradition at our Nation's service academies, I hereby
    absolve all midshipmen who are on restriction for minor conduct
    offenses--I leave it to Admiral Stewart to define exactly what ``minor''
    means. [Laughter]
        Life at this Academy is demanding, and it is meant to be. America is
    a great maritime power, and our merchant marine has a vital role to
    play. In times of peace, the merchant marine helps ensure our economic
    security by keeping the oceans open to trade. In times of war, the
    merchant marine is the lifeline of our troops overseas, carrying
    critical supplies, equipment, and personnel. For more than six decades,
    the mission of this Academy has been to graduate highly skilled mariners
    to serve America's economic and national security needs. To train you
    for these responsibilities, this Academy sharpens your mind; it
    strengthens your body and builds up your character. The Academy has made
    you strong and instilled respect for the Kings Point motto--Acta Non
    Verba--``Deeds, Not Words.''
        ``Deeds, Not Words'' was the hallmark of this Academy in World War
    II. In the early years of the war, America's efforts to supply our
    allies in Europe were threatened by the U-boats that were sinking
    American ships faster than we could build them. The need to arm and
    defend our merchant ships was urgent, and King Pointers answered the
    call. And one of them was an 18-year-old named Edwin O'Hara, whose
    statue stands not far from here. In September 1942, Cadet O'Hara was
    serving on the USS Stephen Hopkins when it came under attack from two
    Nazi raiders. After the entire guncrew of the Hopkins was killed by
    enemy fire, O'Hara singlehandedly served and fired the last five shells
    in the ready box, scoring direct hits on the German warship Stier. Cadet
    O'Hara was mortally wounded in the action, but not before he helped send
    the Stier to the bottom of the South Atlantic.
        Edwin O'Hara is one of 142 Academy graduates who gave their lives in
    the Second World War. Today, Kings Point is still the only one of our
    five service academies that sends its students into the theaters of
    war--and for that reason, it is the only Academy authorized to fly a
    battle standard.
        ``Deeds, Not Words'' was your response on the morning of September
    the 11th, 2001. From this campus, every man and woman could see the
    black smoke rising from the Twin Towers. Within hours, your midshipmen
    were working side by side with the Coast Guard and Marine Division of
    the New York City Fire Department. Over the next 9 days, you moved
    firefighters and police and emergency response teams into Ground Zero.
    You moved tons of food and water and supplies. The heroic response to
    that terrible day showed the spirit of America and the spirit of this
    fine Academy, and I thank you for your service.
        ``Deeds, Not Words'' defines the Academy's role in the global war on
    terror. Your cadets are forward-deployed in the Middle East, where
    they're supporting operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Your Global
    Maritime and Transportation School is providing advanced training in
    areas from marine engineering to port security for military units like
    the Navy Seabees and Surface Warfare Officers. And your graduates are
    serving our Nation in every branch of our Armed Services, as sailors
    projecting American combat power across the Earth, as marines and
    soldiers leading platoons from Khandahar to Tikrit,

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    as Coast Guard officers securing our homeland, and as airmen delivering
    justice to terrorists hiding in safe houses and caves. In the global war
    on terror, the men and women of this Academy are making a difference on
    every front, and the American people are grateful for your service.
        To win the war on terror, we will continue to build and strengthen
    ties with our friends and allies across the world. America's alliance
    with Europe is a key pillar of our strategy for victory. And tomorrow
    Laura and I will depart on my 15th trip to Europe since I have taken
    office. This visit comes at a critical moment for America and our
    allies. We have important decisions to make that will affect the
    prospects for peace and prosperity across the world. And today I'm going
    to talk to you about the objectives I will pursue on this important
    trip.
        My first stop will be Vienna, where I will attend the annual summit
    between the United States and the European Union. And then I'm going to
    travel to Budapest to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian
    Revolution. And I'm really looking forward to the trip. Americans have
    strong ties to the European people. We have warm friendships with
    European nations. And on my trip this week, we will strengthen our close
    and growing partnership with the European Union.
        America's partnership with the European Union grows from sturdy
    roots--our common love of freedom and our commitment to democratic
    principles. Those of you graduating today have grown up with a Europe
    whose major powers are at peace with one another. Yet in the sweep of
    history, this is a dramatic change. There was a time in the history when
    Europe was the site of bloody conflicts and bitter rivalries. As
    recently as the last century, Europe was the site of two devastating
    world wars. Now, because generations have sacrificed for liberty and
    built strong democracies, the nations of Europe are partners in common
    union and neighbors on a continent that's whole, free, and at peace.
        A free and peaceful Europe is one of the great achievements of the
    past century. My generation and yours will be judged by what comes next.
    So America and Europe must work together to advance freedom and
    democracy. We will cooperate to expand trade and prosperity. We will
    strengthen our efforts to combat terrorism. And we will stand together
    to stop the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
        Our work begins with a common commitment to extending the reach of
    freedom and democracy. On Prime Minister Blair's recent visit to
    America, he said: ``The Governments of the world do not all believe in
    freedom, but the people of the world do.'' As people who have secured
    our own freedom, America and Europe have a duty to help others do the
    same. We're fulfilling that duty together in Belarus, where we support
    the reformers seeking to erase the stain of dictatorship from Europe.
    We're fulfilling that duty together in Georgia and the Ukraine, where we
    stand with brave people striving to consolidate democratic gains. We're
    fulfilling that duty together in the Balkans, where people who have
    suffered so much have made a choice to live in liberty and should be
    welcomed as a part of Europe in the 21st century.
        As we saw on September the 11th, 2001, the actions of a repressive
    regime thousands of miles away can have a direct impact on our own
    security. In this new century, the loss of freedom anywhere is a blow to
    freedom everywhere. And when freedom advances, people gain an
    alternative to violence, and the prospects for peace are multiplied, and
    all nations become more secure. So America and Europe have launched bold
    initiatives to aid democratic reformers across the world, especially in
    the broader Middle East. We've worked with the United Nations to end the
    Syrian occupation of Lebanon, and we will not rest until the Lebanese
    people enjoy full independence. We're determined to end the conflict in
    the Holy Land and bring about a solution with two democratic states,
    Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.
        Our shared commitment to extending freedom and democracy is clear in
    Afghanistan and Iraq. Together America and Europe have helped bring
    about a historic transformation in those countries. Two of the world's
    most dangerous regimes have been removed from power, and the world is
    better off for it. Al Qaida's training camps have been

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    closed in Afghanistan. Al Qaida's leader in Iraq has been killed. Two
    violent dictatorships are being replaced with growing democracies that
    answer to their people, that respect their neighbors, and that serve as
    allies in the war on terror. Afghanistan and Iraq are taking their
    rightful place in the free world--and America and Europe must work
    tirelessly to help them succeed.
        One week ago today, I left Camp David and flew to the capital of a
    free and democratic Iraq. In Baghdad, I met with Prime Minister Maliki
    and members of his Cabinet. The Prime Minister is a man of strong
    character. He has a clear and practical plan to lead his country
    forward. He briefed me on the immediate steps he's taking to improve
    security in Baghdad, to build up Iraq's economy, and to reach out to the
    international community.
        The formation of a new Government, successful raids on Al Qaida
    targets in Iraq have created a moment of opportunity. Iraqis must seize
    this moment--and we will help them succeed. I assured the Prime Minister
    that when America gives a commitment, America will keep its word. By
    helping Prime Minister Maliki's new Government achieve its aims, we will
    expand opportunity for all the Iraqi people, we will inflict a major
    defeat on the terrorists, and we will show the world the power of a
    thriving democracy in the heart of the Middle East.
        A free and sovereign Iraq requires the strong support of Europe. And
    some of the most important support for Iraqis is coming from European
    democracies with recent memories of tyranny--Poland and Hungary and
    Romania and Bulgaria and the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Georgia,
    Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. Others in Europe have had
    disagreements with our decisions on Iraq. Yet we've all watched the
    Iraqi people stand up for their freedom--and we agree that the success
    of a democratic government in Baghdad is vital for the Iraqis and for
    the security of the world.
        The European Union has been the world's most--among the world's most
    generous financial donors for reconstruction in Iraq. And Europe and
    America will encourage greater international support to help Prime
    Minister Maliki implement his plans for recovery. The international
    community has pledged about $13 billion to help this new Government. Yet
    only $3\1/2\ billion has been paid. This is a critical time for Iraq's
    young democracy, and assistance from the international community will
    make an immediate difference. All nations that have pledged money have a
    responsibility to keep their pledges, and America and Europe will work
    together to ensure they do so.
        America and Europe also stand together in our determination to widen
    the circle of prosperity. We're cooperating on projects to develop
    clean, secure energy sources, especially alternatives to fossil fuel. On
    the continent of Africa, we're working to strengthen democracy, relieve
    debt, fight disease, and end the genocide in Darfur. At the World Trade
    Organization, we're working to lower trade barriers by concluding the
    Doha talks. America has made a bold proposal to eliminate trade-
    distorting agricultural subsidies and tariffs, and I call on Europe to
    join us, so we can set an example of free and fair trade for the world.
    By spreading prosperity, America and Europe will create new
    opportunities for our people, to help alleviate poverty and deliver hope
    and dignity and progress to millions across the world.
        Together America and Europe are laying the foundations for a future
    of peace and prosperity. And yet the terrorists are threatening this
    progress. So at our summit this week, we'll take new steps to strengthen
    our cooperation on counterterrorism, to improve transportation security,
    and to crack down on terrorist financing. And we will renew our
    commitment to support the voices of peace and moderation in the Muslim
    world, to help provide a hopeful alternative to radicalism. America and
    Europe must stand united in this war on terror. By being steadfast and
    by being strong, we will defeat the enemies of freedom.
        America and Europe are also united on one of the most difficult
    challenges facing the world today, the behavior of the regime in Iran.
    The leaders of Iran sponsor terror, deny liberty and human rights to
    their people, and threaten the existence of our ally, Israel. And by
    pursuing nuclear activities that mask its efforts to acquire nuclear
    weapons, the regime is acting in defiance of its treaty

    [[Page 1181]]

    obligations, of the United Nations Security Council, and of the
    International Atomic Energy Agency. Nuclear weapons in the hands of this
    regime would be a grave threat to people everywhere.
        I've discussed the problem of the Iranian regime extensively with
    leaders in Europe, particularly in Great Britain and Germany and France.
    I've also consulted closely with the Presidents of Russia and China.
    We've all agreed on a unified approach to solve this problem
    diplomatically. The United States has offered to come to the table with
    our partners and meet with Iran's representatives--as soon as the
    Iranian regime fully and verifiably suspends its uranium enrichment and
    reprocessing activities. Iran's leaders have a clear choice. We hope
    they will accept our offer and voluntarily suspend these activities, so
    we can work out an agreement that will bring Iran real benefits. If
    Iran's leaders reject our offer, it will result in action before the
    Security Council, further isolation from the world, and progressively
    stronger political and economic sanctions.
        I've a message for the Iranian regime: America and our partners are
    united. We have presented a reasonable offer. Iran's leaders should see
    our proposal for what it is, an historic opportunity to set their
    country on a better course. If Iran's leaders want peace and prosperity
    and a more hopeful future for their people, they should accept our
    offer, abandon any ambitions to obtain nuclear weapons, and come into
    compliance with their international obligations.
        I've a message for the Iranian people: The United States respects
    you and your country. We admire your rich history, your vibrant culture,
    and your many contributions to civilization. When Cyrus the Great led
    the Iranian people more than 2,500 years ago, he delivered one of the
    world's first declarations of individual rights, including the right to
    worship God in freedom. Through the centuries, Iranians have achieved
    distinction in medicine and science and poetry and philosophy and
    countless other fields.
        In the 21st century, the people of Iran, especially the talented and
    educated youth, are among the world's leaders in science and technology.
    Iranians have a large presence on the Internet and a desire to make even
    greater progress, including the development of civilian nuclear energy.
    This is a legitimate desire. We believe the Iranian people should enjoy
    the benefits of a truly peaceful program, to use nuclear reactors to
    generate electric power. So America supports the Iranian people's rights
    to develop nuclear energy peacefully, with proper international
    safeguards.
        The people of Iran, like people everywhere, also want and deserve an
    opportunity to determine their own future, an economy that rewards their
    intelligence and talents, and a society that allows them to pursue their
    dreams. I believe Iranians would thrive if they were given more
    opportunities to travel and study abroad and do business with the rest
    of the world. Here in the United States, Iranian Americans have used
    their freedom to advance in society and make tremendous contributions in
    areas from business to medicine to academics.
        To help provide more opportunities for the people of Iran, we will
    look for new ways to increase contact between Americans and Iranians,
    especially in education and culture, sports, and tourism. We'll provide
    more than $75 million this year to promote openness and freedom for the
    Iranian people. These funds will allow us to expand and improve radio
    and television broadcasts to the people of Iran. These funds will
    support Iranian human rights advocates and civil society organizations.
    And these funds will promote student and faculty exchanges, so we can
    build bridges of understanding between our people.
        Americans believe the future of Iran will be decided by the people
    of Iran, and we believe that future can be one of progress and
    prosperity and achievement. We look forward to the day when our nations
    are friends and when the people of Iran enjoy the full fruits of liberty
    and play a leading role to establish peace in our world.
        The advance of freedom is the calling of our time, and the men and
    women of the United States Merchant Marine Academy are answering that
    call. In a few moments, you will walk through Vickery Gate and leave the
    Academy that's been your home. You leave with a bachelor's degree, a
    license as a Merchant Marine officer, and a commission

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    in one of the branches of our Armed Services. And you leave with
    something else: The great truth that duty and honor and courage are not
    just words--they are virtues that sustain a free people, people who are
    determined to live under self-government. They're the virtues that will
    be your anchor and compass in a life of purpose and service. These are
    the virtues that America demands of those entrusted with leading her
    sons and daughters in uniform. And these are the virtues that America
    has come to expect from the blue and grey.
        We see the devotion to duty and honor and country in the life of one
    of this Academy's finest graduates, Aaron Seesan. Aaron was an Ohio boy
    who grew up dreaming of being a soldier. He brought that dream with him
    to this Academy. And when he walked through these gates 3 years ago, he
    carried on his shoulders the gold bar of a second lieutenant in the
    United States Army. After entering the Army, Lieutenant Seesan trained
    as a combat engineer. And he was serving at Fort Lewis, Washington, when
    a group of soldiers who were based at that fort were struck by a suicide
    bomb in Iraq. Two of the men were killed. And that's when this young
    lieutenant volunteered to go to Iraq to take the place of a wounded
    platoon leader.
        When Lieutenant Seesan arrived in Iraq, some of his fellow soldiers
    wondered, ``What was the Army thinking?'' His platoon sergeant said, ``I
    didn't know what the hell a merchant marine graduate was doing here in
    the 73d Engineering Company.'' The sergeant quickly changed his mind
    when he saw Lieutenant Seesan in action, taking care of his men as they
    patrolled the most dangerous roads in and around Mosul. In May 2005, he
    was leading a routine sweep of a city street when a bomb exploded and
    hit the fuel tank of his Humvee. Those who were with himrecall his last
    words: ``Take charge, Sergeant Arnold, and take care of the others.''
        He died on May 22--on National Maritime Day. For his act of bravery,
    Lieutenant Seesan was awarded the Bronze Star. And the campus memorial
    that bears his name will remind all who come here of Kings Point
    commitment to service above self.
        Aaron Seesan gave his life freely. While still in high school, he
    wrote a poem that now seems prophetic. He wrote, ``Mourn not my terrible
    death, but celebrate my cause in life.'' Aaron's cause in life was
    freedom, and as you take your place as officers in our Armed Forces, I
    ask you to celebrate the freedom for which Aaron fought and died.
        America has invested in you, and she has high expectations. My call
    to you is this: Trust your instincts, and use the skills you were taught
    here to give back to your Nation. Do not be afraid of mistakes; learn
    from them. Show leadership and character in whatever you do. The world
    lies before you. I ask you to go forth with faith in America and
    confidence in the eternal promise of liberty.
        In all that lies ahead, I wish you fair winds and following seas. As
    I look out at the men and women before me, I will leave here knowing
    that you will bring honor to our Nation and to this Academy that has
    prepared you for the challenges you will face.
        May God steer thee well, Kings Point. And may God bless America.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:07 a.m. on the Captain James Harvey Tomb
    Field at Brooks Stadium. In his remarks, he referred to Vice Adm. Joseph
    D. Stewart, USMS, superintendent, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; Prime
    Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom; senior Al Qaida associate Abu
    Musab Al Zarqawi, who was killed in Baquba, Iraq, on June 7; Prime
    Minister Nuri al-Maliki of Iraq; President Vladimir Putin of Russia; and
    President Hu Jintao of China.

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