Remarks by the President to the Press Pool After Visit with Soldiers and Families
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Washington, D.C.
3:05 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: It is such an honor to come to a hospital like
Walter Reed, for a couple of reasons. One is to meet the wounded who
have made a decision to sacrifice for this nation's security and for
freedom in the world. It is an honor to meet their parents or their
wives, their children -- brave souls who support their loved one with
all their heart.
It's an honor to be with the doctors and nurses of this fantastic
facility who are doing unbelievable work in helping bring these people
back on their feet, back into their communities.
One of the most important things for a Commander-in-Chief is to be
able to say to a loved one, if your son or daughter or husband or wife
gets injured, you'll get the best possible care, as quickly as
possible. Every time I come to Walter Reed it confirms that which I
know, which is: we're providing the very best -- the best care, the
best compassion. We're moving these soldiers from the battlefield to
hospitals as quickly as we can, so they can begin their rehab.
And it's fantastic to go upstairs. The spirit is strong. The
attitudes are terrific. Several soldiers told me today, badly injured
soldiers said, I want to get well quickly, and get back on their duty
stations in Iraq; want to serve our nation.
It is so refreshing and great to be here. And I want to thank you,
General, for your hospitality.