[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 21 (Monday, May 28, 2007)]
[Pages 681-682]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Following a Visit With Wounded Troops and Their Families at the 
National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland

May 25, 2007

    First, I applaud the bipartisan effort to get a emergency 
supplemental bill to my desk. The Speaker and the leader said they would

[[Page 682]]

get it done by Memorial Day recess, and they have, and I appreciate that 
very much.
    You know, this effort shows what can happen when people work 
together. We set a good bill that didn't have timetables or tell the 
military how to do its job, but also sent a clear signal to the Iraqis 
that there's expectations here in America, expectations that we expect--
about how to move forward. I look forward to continuing to work with the 
Prime Minister and his Government in meeting those expectations.
    I also am honored to be here at this place of compassion and healing 
on Memorial Day weekend. It's a weekend which gives us a chance to honor 
those who have served this country, whether it be in this war or in 
previous wars.
    In being here, I also want to honor the healers here at Bethesda. 
It's--health care here is remarkable. They're dealing with some of the 
very tragic injuries in this war. People come here without much hope, 
and they leave, in many cases, healed and ready to move on with their 
lives. So I thank the doctors and the nurses.
    I also thank the soldiers and their families who I met here, people 
who are remarkably brave and courageous. I'm constantly amazed at the 
strength of character of those who wear the uniform. To be the Commander 
and Chief of such men and women is really an awesome honor.
    And so to our troops and their families, may God bless you. And may 
God continue to bless our country.
    Thank you all very much.

Note: The President spoke at 12:36 p.m. In his remarks, he referred to 
Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki of Iraq.