[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

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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

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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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