Text of President Bush's speech to the American Legion National Convention
Salt Lake City, Utah
9:08 A.M. MDT
Thank you all very much. Please be seated. Thanks for the warm welcome. It's great to join you here in one of America's most beautiful cities. I appreciate your hospitality. I'm proud to stand before some of our country's finest patriots, our veterans and their families. And I'm pleased to call you my fellow Legionnaires — I suspect I may be the only one here, though, from Post 77, Houston, Texas. That's what I thought. If you're from Post 77, behave yourself here in Salt Lake.
Laura did remind me the other night, though, that a few of my fellow members — at least I've joined a few of my fellow members in another illustrious organization, the "Over 60 Club."
For almost 90 years, Legionnaires have stood proudly "for God and country." From big cities to small towns, the American Legion name brings to mind the best of our nation — decency, generosity, and character. I thank you for a lifetime of service. I thank you for the positive contributions you make to our nation, and I'm proud to join you today.
First, I want to thank Tom Bock, the National Commander, for his kind introduction and his strong leadership. I always am pleased to welcome the Commander to the Oval Office to discuss common issues, and you've done a fine job leading this organization, Tom. I also want to thank your wife, Elaine, and I particularly want to pay respect to your son, Captain Bock, of the United States Army, who's joined us today.
I'm proud that the Governor of this great state, Jon Huntsman, and his wife Mary Kaye, have joined us. Governor, thank you for your time. I'm also proud to be joined by two United States Senators who are strong supporters of the United States military, Senator Orrin Hatch, and Senator Bob Bennett.
Members of the congressional delegation from the state of Utah have joined us: Congressman Rob Bishop, and Congressman Chris Cannon. Thank you both for coming. Proud you're here. I thank the state Senator, John Valentine, who is the President of the Utah State Senate. I appreciate Speaker Greg Curtis. I want to thank all the state and local officials who have joined us here today. Most particularly, I want to thank you all for giving me a chance to come and speak to you. I particularly want to thank all the Gold Star families who have joined us today. May God bless you. May God bless you.
As veterans, all of you stepped forward when America needed you most. From North Africa to Normandy, Iwo Jima to Inchon, from Khe Sanh to Kuwait, your courage and service have made it possible for generations to live in liberty. And we owe you more than just thanks. We owe you the support of the federal government. And so, in my first four years as President, we increased funding for veterans more than the previous administration did in eight years. Since then, we've increased it even more. My budget for this year provides more than $80 billion for veterans — that's a 75-percent increase since I took office. It's the highest level of support for veterans in American history.
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