President speaks to nation from Fort Bragg
By Pfc. Mike Pryor
June 29, 2005
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (Army News Service, June 29, 2005) – Speaking before an enthusiastic crowd of Soldiers from some of America’s most elite military units, President Bush reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to defeating terrorism and promoting democracy abroad during a nationally televised, primetime address from Fort Bragg, N.C. Tuesday night.
“The terrorists think with a few hard blows they can force us to retreat. They are mistaken . . . We will fight them (in Iraq), we will fight them around the world, and we will stay in the fight until the fight is won,” Bush said.
There had been speculation that the speech would herald a major change in policy for the administration, but the President mainly reiterated previous statements about the need to maintain troop levels in Iraq and keep America on the offensive against terrorists. Bush did, however, present a more detailed explanation of his goals in Iraq and his strategy for achieving them.
Shrugging off intensified criticism at home and abroad of America’s presence in Iraq, Bush declined to set a timetable for the withdrawal of troops, saying it would send the wrong message. Instead, he conditioned any U.S. withdrawal on Iraq’s ability to protect and govern itself, and promised increased political and military support for the country’s new democratic government.
“As the Iraqis stand up, we will stand down,” he said.
At the close of the speech, Bush reiterated his belief that the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are part of a much larger war that began on Sept. 11, 2001, a war which America must be prepared to fight for years to come. But victory, he promised, is inevitable.
“When the history of this period is written, the liberation of Iraq and the liberation of Afghanistan will be remembered as great turning points in the story of freedom. After September 11, 2001, I told the American people that it would be difficult, and that we would prevail. Well, it has been difficult, and we are prevailing. Our enemies are brutal, but they are no match for the United States of America. And they are no match for the men and women of the United States military,” he concluded.
The president’s speech had special resonance at Fort Bragg because its units have been among the Army’s most frequently deployed since the outset of the Global War on Terrorism in 2001. Fort Bragg is home to the strategic response force, 82nd Airborne Division and the Special Forces. There are currently more than 14,000 Fort Bragg Soldiers deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and five other countries.
For the Fort Bragg Soldiers in the audience Tuesday, the President’s visit made for a very special evening.
“I think it’s an honor. When the boss comes into the shop you put down your tools and listen and learn,” said Spc. Sean Larson, a combat medic with C C., 307th Forward Support Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division.
“I’m honored he came here and I got to see him. In the 82nd, we talk about being the President’s 911, so the fact that he was actually here backing that up was great,” said Staff Sgt. William Hutchens, C Battery, 2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division.
Most Soldiers were enthusiastic about the president’s pledge to stay the course in Afghanistan and Iraq, even though it may mean more deployments for them in the near future.
“I joined the service during a time of war, so I expected it. When you jump off the diving board you’re going to get wet,” Larson said.
The president chose the right place to give a speech challenging America’s military to win the Global War on Terror, said Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Flowers, command sergeant major, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division.
“Soldiers come here for a reason: to be called upon and to accomplish the mission,” Flowers said.
(Editor’s note: Pfc. Mike Pryor and Spc. J.H. French serve with 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs.)
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
