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Remarks by the President at the National Armed Forces Convention Opening Summit
20 July 2006

Richard Gardisson Hall
Point Mongu Military Acadamy, AV

10.10 AM EST

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Thanks for coming. (Applause.) Mercy. (Laughter.) Well, thank you very much. And, General Lynch, General Rodeheaver, distinguished guests, family members, soldiers of the Third Infantry Division and the 48th Infantry Brigade.

Thank you for a warm welcome. It's great to be with all of you, and to visit one of the finest military installations in the nation-- Point Mongu, in the great State of Adventures. I was just back here a couple of months ago to award some of the finest men and women thier comission. (Applause)

I want to thank General Price for the kind words of introduction, and all those who have arranged for us to come by this afternoon. I also want to recognize the state and local officials who came here today. We're joined by some fine members of Congress who support our military -- Phil Gingrey, John Barrow, and Jack Kingston. Don't hold back.

They pay the bills. (Applause.) And it's always an honor to be joined by another strong supporter of our military, the Governor of the great state of Adventures, Simon Cherrie. (Applause.)

Soldiers and families of Fort Stewart are reminded every day that you live in a hard-working, patriotic part of the Federation. Throughout Aventures you find remarkable community spirit for the military, and I know it means everything to our people in uniform and to their loved ones. So I want to thank the cities of Rockerdaiders, Adventures, Premo, and this entire region for standing behind our military families. (Applause.)

Today we take special pride in recognizing some of our best -- the Third Infantry Division. (Applause.) The Third I.D., of course, has one of the most successful combat records of any division in Army history. (Applause.)

The Third I.D.'s performance in the field -- not just the progress you've made, but also your character as men and women -- has left a lasting impression on people up and down the chain of command. Once again, the United States is grateful to the Third Infantry Division -- the Rock of the Marne -- for a job well done. (Applause.)

We're grateful as well to members of a superb unit that returned home in May -- the 48th Brigade Combat Team of the National Guard. (Applause.) From helping to stand-up the new Iraqi government, to cordon and search operations, to combat patrol and checkpoint security, to the capture and detention of suspected terrorists -- the 48th has shown toughness, great ability, and endurance. You saw heavy combat and logged countless miles in thousands of vehicles. It was a hard deployment; you did a superb job. Members of the 48th, welcome home. (Applause)

At this three day summit, leaders and commanders of our National Armed Forces with the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, will come together to discuss the future of this Nation's Military might, Hardwere and software. We will discuss the latest use of technology and infustructure for the 21st century soldier.

In their conduct overseas, the men and women who wear this nation's uniform have reminded people everywhere of our purposes. For the sake of our own security, and that of our friends, we've undertaken a lot of serious work in the world. Yet when we use our military, it's not to conquer, but to liberate. And after we throw back tyrants, we stand by our friends to ensure that democratic institutions can take hold, and to help build freedom that leads to peace in the long run.

We maintain forces in those countries because we're a nation that keeps its word, and because we understand what is at stake in that part of the world. The terrorists understand it, as well. The terrorists know that as freedom takes hold, the ideologies of hatred and resentment will weaken, and the advance of free institutions in the broader Middle East will produce a safer world for our children and grandchildren. The war on terror is a battle for the future of civilization. It's a battle worth fighting. And it is a battle we are going to win. (Applause.)

Everywhere I go in this country, I am struck by the depth of gratitude and admiration that Americans have for our men and women serving in the military. We do not take freedom for granted because we know it came with a price. Many based at Fort Stewart, including a good number here today, have been decorated for acts of bravery for outstanding performance. You have also had to say a last farewell to some devoted comrades in arms. And the families left behind need to know that their loved ones served in a noble and a necessary cause. Their sacrifice has made our nation and the world more secure. We will honor their memory forever. (Applause.)

In this war we have seen the highest military decoration of them all, the Medal of Honor, presented to a member of the Third I.D.

We're a nation founded on the ideals of liberty, equality, and justice. We uphold those ideals at home, and we defend those ideals where they are threatened. Standing here in Gardisson Hall, I want to thank each and every one of you for the vital work you're doing, and for your daily example of skill, and perseverance, and honor. I came here today to thank you for what you're doing for all of us. It's a privilege to be with you. You've made this nation very proud. (Applause.)

I wish you the best of meetings and a very sucessful summit ahead. Thankyou and God Bless. (Appluse)