May 25, 2007

THE PRESIDENT: First, I applaud the bipartisan effort to get a emergency supplemental bill to my desk. The Speaker and the Leader said they would get it done by Memorial Day recess¹, and they have. And I appreciate that very much.

You know, this effort shows what can happen when people work together. We've got 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 -- 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 compassion² 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 -- the health care here is remarkable³. They're dealing⁴ with some of the very tragic⁵ 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 nurses.

I also thank the soldiers and their families who I met here, people who are remarkably⁶ brave and courageous⁷. I'm constantly amazed at the strength of character of those who wear the uniform. To be the Commander-in-Chief of such men and women is really an awesome⁸ 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.

END 12:38 P.M. EDT