President George Bush delivered a 40-minute opening remark at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.  The president’s remarks focused on the importance of the United States continuing its military and economic aid to Iraq to liberate the Iraqi people and remove a regime threatening free nations.
 

“The Air Force was critical in liberating the people of Afghanistan, the people of Iraq and taking the fight to the enemy overseas so we do not have to face them here at home.”

Air Force One touched down on the flightline here at 9:40 a.m.  The president was met by General Bruce Carlson, commander of Air Force Materiel Command.  President Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service.  During his speech at the museum, President Bush said Airmen are adding to the tradition of the great aviators honored by the museum.  He also noted that military achievements in Iraq have been accompanied by a political transformation.
   

“It can feel like distant history, but it was only five years ago that Iraq was one of the most brutal dictatorships on Earth, a totalitarian nightmare where any nightmare where any election was a sham and dissenters often found themselves buried in mass graves.  In a matter of 15 months, the Iraqi people reclaimed their sovereignty.  They went on to choose an interim government and to ratify the most democratic constitution in the Arab world.  And in December 2005, 12 million Iraqis elected a government under that constitution, a display of courage that defied the terrorists, disproved the critics and should always inspire the world.”

“This partnership would help assure Iraqis that political, economic and security cooperation between our nations will endure.  This partnership would also ensure protections for American troops when the United Nations mandate for Multi-National Forces in Iraq expires in December.”

“This partnership would not bind future presidents to specific troop levels.  This partnership would not establish permanent bases in Iraq.  It would be similar to partnerships that we have with
Afghanistan and other free nations around the world.  My administration will work to complete this strategic partnership in the coming months.  The Iraqi people have chosen to stand with
America against our common enemies.  And it’s in our interest that we stand with them.” 

President Bush said in his closing remarks: Airmen are among the many patriots who uphold America’s highest ideals.