[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 26 (Monday, July 3, 2006)]
[Page 1235]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Following a Meeting With Military Personnel in St. Louis, 
Missouri

June 28, 2006

    I want to thank you all for coming. I just had a discussion with 
fellow citizens in the Guard, Reserve, and active duty who have been in 
both Iraq and Afghanistan. I want to thank you for sharing your insights 
with me. Thank you for your service to the country.
    I told these men and women that their service is necessary for the 
security of the United States of America and that they're serving in 
historic times. And one day, their children will be able to look back 
and say, ``My dad or my mom went to Iraq and Afghanistan and helped a 
young country become a democracy, and therefore, the world is more 
peaceful for it.''
    One of the things I am going to do is, I'm going to meet with the 
family members of these good people and express our country's gratitude 
for their service as well. A lot of times, military families don't get 
proper thanks, and I can't wait to meet your loved ones and tell them 
firsthand that the country appreciates your service.
    One thing I told these good folks is that this country stands with 
the people wearing our Nation's uniform. We're with you. We know the 
work is hard, but the work is necessary. And we're winning--and we're 
winning. And the world is going to be better off because of your 
courageous service, and I thank you for it.
    Thanks for letting me come by and visit. I appreciate it.

Note: The President spoke at 3:41 p.m. at the VFW Overland-St. Ann 
Memorial Post 3944.