For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 11, 2001
Remarks by the President When Meeting the Parents of Petty Officer Third Class Steven Blocher
Concord Middle School Concord, North Carolina
12:40 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: I'm so honored that
the Blocher family came to say hello. Obviously, when we
were going to visit, we were just going to visit in a quiet way, a
private way. Now that their son, Steven, will be coming home
soon, I thought it would be appropriate for us to visit and then visit
some with the press.
These good folks are patriots, as is their
son. It's a patriotic family. We had other family
members served our country. Steven was one of the
24. I know they're thrilled he's coming home. But
I'm so appreciative of how this family and the other families were
steadfast in their patriotism and loyalty. They raised a boy
who loves his country, and we owe a debt of gratitude to not only the
servicemen and women, but to their parents, as well. So
that's why I wanted to see you.
MR. BLOCHER: This morning worked
out even better than we had hoped. It's an honor to meet the
President; but to meet the President under such happy circumstances was
more than we could ask the Lord for in any way.
THE PRESIDENT: It's my honor to
have you all. Thanks. We're watching very
carefully; progress is being made, and that's very good news for this
group of folks.
END
12:42 P.M. EDT
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