Bush mourns slain troops

[telos2000]

Bush mourns slain troops

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By Ron Fournier
The Associated Press
Publication Date: 03/09/02

WASHINGTON - Wiping away tears, President Bush told families of slain U.S. servicemen "we ache for you" and predicted more American troops would die in the war against terrorism.

"We will take loss of life," Bush said Friday. "And I'm sad for loss of life."

Bush was in Florida to discuss the economy and corporate responsibility while raising $500,000 for the state Republican Party. The proceeds will help finance the re-election campaign of his brother, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.

It was Bush's eighth trip as president to Florida, a state he won by 536 votes to claim the White House after a 36-day recount fight. Florida is critical to his own re-election hopes.

During his address at American II Electronics, the president introduced relatives of two Florida soldiers who died Monday in the war's bloodiest U.S. operation.

As applause filled the cavernous shop floor, the president's lips began to quiver as he fought back tears.

"We'll be relentless and determined to do what is right," he said.

Spc. Marc A. Anderson, 30, of Brandon, Fla., and Sgt. Bradley Crose, 22, of Orange Park, Fla., were among seven Americans killed Monday in the mountains of eastern Afghanistan.

With a deep exhale, Bush addressed Anderson's father and brother.

"I know your heart aches, and we ache for you. But your son and your brother died for a noble and just cause," Bush said. He reached with his thumb to wipe away a tear from his left eye.

"I hate it to know that young soldiers are at risk," the president said, now thumbing tears from his right eye.

"But I want to assure you and all those loved ones whose sons and daughters are at risk that not only is the cause just and important and noble, but our United States government will provide the United States military with whatever it needs to win this war against terror."

Earlier, in an exchange with reporters, the president warned that American troops are in combat against "fierce fighters," who have vowed to battle to the death.

"That's OK," Bush said. "If that's their attitude, we'll just have to adjust."

Bush has teared up in public before, but until Friday had avoided emotional displays about fallen U.S. troops.

He has sought instead to put the deaths in a broader context: They are simply the latest casualties in a war that began with nearly 3,000 deaths Sept. 11.

[FUNdamental]

They are simply the latest casualties in a war that began with nearly 3,000 deaths Sept. 11.




What about soldiers who died in Iraq?

[telos2000]

Look at the other posts before you comment. I posted this to confirm Bush does mourn and console even in wars that you don't care about.

[FUNdamental]

Originally Posted by telos2000

Look at the other posts before you comment. I posted this to confirm Bush does mourn and console even in wars that you don't care about.

I was talking about soldiers who died in Iraq.

[telos2000]

Read the post that addresses that topic ( [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] )and my reply to your post. I was talking about what I posted here, not there.

[Pipanella]

Originally Posted by FUNdamental

They are simply the latest casualties in a war that began with nearly 3,000 deaths Sept. 11.

What about soldiers who died in Iraq?

Even though he was speaking to the parents of soldiers who had died in Afghanistan, I believe (yep, personal opinion) that President Bush includes those killed in Iraq as well. I believe that President Bush sees all efforts in the war against terrorism, including the war in Iraq, to be a result of the events of Sept. 11, it being the catalyst.

[telos2000]

Originally Posted by Pipanella

Even though he was speaking to the parents of soldiers who had died in Afghanistan, I believe (yep, personal opinion) that President Bush includes those killed in Iraq as well. I believe that President Bush sees all efforts in the war against terrorism, including the war in Iraq, to be a result of the events of Sept. 11, it being the catalyst.

Pip, he is trying to ignore the thread I started that is about the Iraq war because it proves his post is FALSE.