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.

I appreciate being here with Carol Van Kirk, the National President of the American Legion Auxiliary. And I want to thank all the Auxiliary members who are with us here today, as well.

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.