Bush Challenges Nation to Promote Freedom by Supporting Troops

The best way for the American people to promote freedom and liberty around the world is to stand behind the U. S. armed forces, President Bush told a group yesterday at the City Club of Cleveland.

Bush said it's his responsibility as president to ensure the public understands why the United States is waging the war on terror and why it's important to stay the course. "And so I will continue making the case. . . . But the best way you can help is to support our troops," he told a questioner in the audience at the free speech forum.

Bush praised the men and women who are sacrificing for the nation's long-term security. "Ours is a remarkable country where we've got thousands of people signing up, volunteering for the United States military, many of them after September the 11th, knowing full well what they were signing up for," he said.

"And what's amazing about our military is that retention rates are high; people are still signing up," he said. "They want to . . . defend the country. And for that, I am grateful."
Transcript of President Bush's Remarks