President Addresses Top Priorities: Economic & National Security

Remarks by the President to New Hampshire Air National Guard, Army National Guard, Reservists and Families

Thursday, October 9, 2003

(9:50 AM ET)

White House Transcript

When you become the President, you cannot predict all the challenges that will come. But you do know the principles that you bring to the office -- and they should not change with time or with polls. I took this office to make a difference, not to mark time. I came to this office to confront problems directly and forcefully, not to pass them on to other Presidents and other generations. (Applause.) The challenges we face today cannot be met with timid actions or bitter words. Our challenges will be overcome with optimism and resolve, and confidence in the ideals of America.

Thursday, Oct. 9, 2003

President George W. Bush is welcomed by a member of the New Hampshire Air National Guard at Pease Air National Guard Base in Portsmouth, N.H.

Image Credit: Tina Hager -- White House

For Immediate Release

PEASE ANGB, Portsmouth, N.H. -- WH
THE PRESIDENT: Thanks for coming. Thanks for such a warm welcome. I'm pleased to be back in the great state of New Hampshire again. (Applause.) And I'm honored to be with the Army and Air National Guard, and with reservists from every branch of our military. (Applause.) You are demonstrating that duty and public service are alive and well in New Hampshire. You stand ready to defend your fellow citizens, and you need to know your fellow citizens are grateful. (Applause.)

All of you are balancing jobs and your lives and public service. You care about your communities, and you care about your country. Today I'm going to talk about two great priorities for our country: We'll promote economic growth and create jobs for America, and we'll wage the war on terror until it is won. (Applause.)

I want to thank Major General Blair for the introduction and for putting up with my entourage. (Laughter.) I want to thank his commander-in-chief, the Governor of the great state of New Hampshire, for joining us today -- Governor Benson, and First Lady Denise. (Applause.) I want to thank Major General Joseph Simeone; Brigadier General John Weeden; Brigadier General Benton Smith; Colonel Protzmann -- Carolyn Protzmann; Lt. Colonel Robert Monahan; and Lt. Colonel Leroy Dunkelberger; State Command Sergeant Michael Rice; Command Chief Master Sergeant Ronald Nadeau. And thank you all. Thank you for coming to say hello. I'm honored that you are here. (Applause.)

This state is fortunate to have an excellent Governor; you're fortunate to have an excellent congressional delegation, as well. I'm proud to be here today with two fine United States Senators -- my friend, Judd Gregg, and his wife, Kathy; and my friend, John Sununu. Thank you, Senators, for being here. (Applause.)

These Senators are strong supporters of your mission. They appreciate what you do. They vote for strong defense budgets, because they know what I know -- that any time we put our troops into harm's way, you must have the best training, the best equipment, the best possible pay. (Applause.)

Congressman Charlie Bass and Congressman Jeb Bradley, who are with us today, understand that, as well. Thank the Congressmen for coming with me today. Thank you all for being here. (Applause.)

My friend, Ruth Griffin, is here from the Executive Council of New Hampshire. Maureen Barrows is here, as well. I appreciate the local officials who have come -- state and local officials -- to greet me and to be here with you today.

I know that the New Hampshire Wildcat Hockey players are here. (Applause.) I'd like to give you some advice -- but I don't know how to ice-skate. (Laughter.)

Today when I landed, I met a lady named Kathy Rice. It's important for me to herald the armies of the soldiers of compassion, people I meet when I land in respective cities. It's important because it helps our country understand our true strength is not our military might, or the size of our wallet. The true strength of America is the hearts and souls of fellow citizens who are willing to help people who need help.
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2003 © Office of the Press Secretary, The White House.

Dan