[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 49 (Monday, December 11, 2006)]
[Pages 2121-2122]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at the Children's Holiday Reception

December 4, 2006

    Thanks for coming. Laura and I want to welcome you all to the White 
House. We're really happy you're here. I think you're going to really 
enjoy this special occasion. My job is to introduce my wife, Laura Bush. 
[Laughter] Before I do so, though, I want to say something about your 
moms and dads. I thank you very much for supporting your mom and dad as 
they're on a very important mission for our country. I want you to know 
that they love you dearly and the American people love and respect those 
who wear our uniform a lot.
    I know it's tough to have your mom or dad overseas, and we wish you 
all the best. But it's really important work. And so we wanted to 
welcome you here to the White House to, first of all, thank you for your 
strength, and so that you would do me a favor and e-mail your mom or dad 
who is overseas

[[Page 2122]]

how much the Commander in Chief respects them, admires them, and 
supports them.
    So welcome to the White House. We're glad you're here. And now I'm 
going to introduce my wife, Laura Bush.

Note: The President spoke at 10:40 a.m. in the East Room at the White 
House. The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary also 
included the remarks of the First Lady.