Graduates of the U.S. Military Academy take part in the traditional hat toss Saturday, May 27, 2006, after commencement ceremonies in West Point, N.Y.

Rebuilding Afghanistan Iraq Update Counterproliferation Initiative Expanding, State's Joseph Says NATO Retools for New Missions in Africa and South Asia President's remarks

27 May 2006

(President Bush addresses graduating class at West Point military academy)

Washington – Speaking to graduates at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point May 27, President Bush highlighted the American military’s contribution to fostering and maintaining liberty and freedom throughout the world.

The United States is "pursuing a forward strategy of freedom in the Middle East. I believe the desire for liberty is universal -- and by standing with democratic reformers across a troubled region, we will extend freedom to millions who have not known it -- and lay the foundation of peace for generations to come, " the president said.

Bush, noting the graduates were the first to enter West Point after the September 11, 2001, attacks, told the class of 2006, "Each of you came here in a time of war, knowing all the risks and dangers that come with wearing our nation’s uniform."  

The president said that since that time the military academy has added several centers and courses in an effort to prepare its cadets for the War on Terror. West Point has expanded Arabic language training, hired faculty members who specialize in Islamic law and culture, and brought in members of the 101st and 82nd Airborne units to train cadets and share personal stories, Bush said.

AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ

Citing the emerging democracies in Afghanistan and Iraq, Bush said, "Coalition forces drove the Taliban from power, liberated Afghanistan, and brought freedom to 25 million people. … The terror camps have been shut down, women are working, boys and girls are going to school, and Afghans have chosen a president and a new parliament in free elections."

The president also recalled how Iraqis, after years of dictatorship by Saddam Hussein, stood up and "defied the terrorists" by casting their ballots in three free elections in the past year, and noted the historical significance of the establishment of a new Iraqi government.

"When the formation of this unity -- with the formation of this unity government, the world has seen the beginning of something new: a constitutional democracy in the heart of the Middle East," he said.

He added that even though challenges lie ahead for both Afghanistan and Iraq, "The world is more secure, because these two countries are now democracies --and they are allies in the cause of freedom and peace."

For additional information, see Rebuilding Afghanistan and Iraq Update.   

CHANGES IN THE MILITARY

The president also outlined how the U.S. military is transforming itself to keep up with the emerging threats and challenges of the 21st century.

The Proliferation Security Initiative is "a coalition of more than 70 nations that are working together to stop shipments of weapons of mass destruction on land, at sea, and in the air, and to stop them from falling into terrorist hands." (See related article.)

A newly created "NATO Response Force … will allow NATO to deploy rapid reaction forces on short notice anywhere in the world." U.S. forces will be moved from locations in Europe and Asia and repositioned "so they can surge quickly to trouble spots anywhere." (See related article.)

Additionally, U.S. federal agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and the Department of Justice have been reorganized and restructured in an effort to be "more effective in the defense of freedom."

The transcript of the president’s speech is available on the White House Web site.