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US President George W. Bush, pictured here with wife Laura
after attending Easter services at Fort Hood, TX, 27 March
2005.(AFP/File/Tim Sloan)
| | THE PRESIDENT:
Good morning.
This weekend, millions of Americans
celebrate the joyous holiday of Easter. Easter is the most important event
of the Christian faith, when people around the world join together with
family and friends to celebrate the power of love conquering death.
At Easter time we pray for all who serve in our military. The
outstanding members of our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast
Guard are keeping America secure and advancing liberty in the world. We
remember especially those who have given their lives in freedom's cause.
Their sacrifice is a testament to the words of scripture: "Greater love
has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
Easter has a special meaning for the families of our men and women
in uniform who miss their loved ones during the holidays. It can be very
difficult when someone you love is deployed on a dangerous mission in a
distant land. I appreciate the sacrifices our military families are
making, and Americans know that their contributions are vital to our
success in the war on terror.
This week we have seen tragedy at home. Families in Minnesota are
mourning the loss of their loved ones after the terrible shootings at Red
Lake High School. Hours after the shooting, communities and churches
across the nation offered prayers for the victims and their families. The
Red Lake Nation reports receiving thousands of calls from people all over
the world offering their sympathy and support. Laura and I are praying for
the families of the victims, as are millions of Americans.
This week I spoke with Red Lake Tribal Chairman Floyd Jourdain to
express the condolences of the American people and to pledge the continued
help of the federal government. We are doing everything we can to meet the
needs of the community at this tragic time. The FBI and the Department of
Justice are working to coordinate relief through the Federal Crime Victim
Assistance Fund. We're working closely with state, local and tribal
authorities to provide counseling, help with funeral arrangements and
other assistance.
The tragedy at Red Lake was accompanied by acts of heroism and
selflessness. A security guard named Derrick Brun saved the lives of
countless students when he rose from his desk to confront the young
gunman. Although he was unarmed, Derrick ignored the pleas of a colleague
to run for his life. By engaging the assailant, he bought vital time for a
fellow security guard to rush a group of students to safety. Derrick's
bravery cost him his life, and all Americans honor him.
As we help the families in this community, we must do everything in our
power to prevent tragedies like this from happening. Children benefit from
a sense of community, and the support and involvement of caring adults. To
keep our children safe and protected, we must continue to foster a culture
that affirms life and provides love, and helps our young people build
character.
On this Easter weekend, we honor all Americans who give of themselves,
from those helping neighbors at home to those defending liberty overseas.
Easter is the victory of light over darkness. In this season of renewal,
we remember that hope leads us closer to truth, and that in the end, even
death, itself, will be defeated. That is the promise of Easter morning.
Thank you for listening. |