Cover Story: Bush Administration Out in Full Force, Thanking Veterans, Setting Sighting Sights On The Future

Whether Americans are for or against administration policies in the current war climate, one thing is clear about the message coming from the Bush Administration these days: We must acknowledge the service and sacrifice performed by all in uniform.

Just days before the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on our country, leading voices with the Bush team have made significant policy speeches before Veterans and military groups. Bush, in particular, promised Vets that this marks only the beginning; he would be making more such speeches in the near future, focused on updating the nation and describing the nature of the war on terror.

One common theme ran in all the speeches: The significant of current events in the pattern of American history.

“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,” Bush told the 88th Annual American Legion Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah.

"As veterans you have seen this kind of enemy before," Bush said. "They are successors to fascists, to Nazis, to communists and other totalitarians of the 20th century. And history shows what the outcome will be.

"The war we fight today is more than a military conflict," Bush added. "It is the decisive ideological struggle of the 21st century."

RICE AND RUMSFELD RECEIVED AWARDS FROM KEY GROUPS
Secretary of State Rice, speaking before a leading women’s Veterans group, repeated similar messages.

"I want to join with all of you today in sending this message to our fighting men and women overseas: Your service is bringing hope to others, honor to yourselves, and you are making every American very, very proud," said Secretary Rice, who was on hand at the American Legion Auxiliary gathering to receive its annual “Woman of the Year” award.

The award from the 900,000-member Auxiliary cites Rice’s “role of peacekeeper, ambassador and trusted ally to a multitude of countries and nations. Through her professional success and public service, she exemplifies for women, the very best in allegiance and dedication to our country.”

Defense Secretary Rumsfeld, who addressed the national convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Reno, Nevada, underscored historical references that he believed were true today.

The question in the war on terror is not whether America can win, Rumsfeld said, but whether Americans have the will to persevere. Thanks to the sacrifices of veterans like those in the American Legion, Rumsfeld said he believes Americans have learned that quitting is not an option. Rumsfeld was also on hand to receive the VFW’s Dwight D. Eisenhower Distinguished Service Award.

“I believe that Americans do have that determination,” he said. “And that we have learned the lessons of history – the folly of turning a blind eye to danger. These are lessons you know well – lessons that your heroism has helped to teach to generations of Americans.”

Vice President Cheney, struck similar themes in his speech to the VFW. “Military service forms habits and commitments that last for a lifetime -- and that's why we always see veterans doing more than their full share on behalf of the country. …We would not be the nation we are today were it not for the ethic of teamwork, generosity, active citizenship, and patriotism that define the VFW.”

A SPECIAL MESSAGE
Finally, in an especially unique message to Veterans in the typical discourse of current events, President Bush chose a moment to honor all prisoners of war, as well.

“My administration will also continue to work to locate the men and women in uniform whose fate is still undetermined -- our prisoners of war and personnel missing in action. We will not forget these brave Americans. We must not rest until we've accounted for every soldier, sailor, airman, Coast Guardsman, and Marine. And we will always honor their courage,” he said.