[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 51 (Monday, December 25, 2006)]
[Pages 2201-2202]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Following a Visit With Wounded Troops at Walter Reed Army 
Medical Center

December 22, 2006

    Laura and I are honored to be here to thank the folks working here 
at this service project. What you're seeing is some young kids wrapping 
gifts for children whose families are here in Washington, DC, as a 
result of an injury that they've received--that their parent received in 
combat.
    We've also just come from Walter Reed. I got to tell you, it's a 
remarkable experience to go through the hospital. It's remarkable 
because of the unbelievable compassion and care of the people who work 
at Walter Reed. And it's also remarkable to me, these men and women who 
have volunteered to serve our country, who've received terrible wounds, 
but whose spirits are strong; their resolve is strong; and their 
dedication to our country remains strong.

[[Page 2202]]

    I want all our fellow citizens to understand that we're lucky to 
have men and women who have volunteered to serve our country like those 
who wear our uniform. We're lucky to have their families support them so 
strongly. We owe them all we can give them--not only for when they're in 
harm's way but when they come home, to help them adjust if they have 
wounds or help them adjust after their time in service. We owe a huge 
debt of gratitude for incredible men and women. And I--every time I come 
to Walter Reed, I am moved by the courage and bravery of the people I 
meet.
    And so on behalf of a grateful nation, I want to thank our military 
families, thank the folks here who are wrapping gifts for the military 
families, and ask for God's blessings on our citizens.
    Thank you.

Note: The President spoke at 12:01 p.m.