(New York Times).Former President George W. Bush spoke amid thunderous applause in a rural Oklahoma town to celebrate the Fourth of July, calling the U.S. the ''greatest nation on the face of the earth.''
Bush was given six standing ovations as he spoke Saturday inside a remodeled rodeo arena in Woodward, a town of about 12,000 residents in northwest Oklahoma. About 9,200 tickets were sold for the event, which would be the biggest crowd for Bush since he left office in January. Bush spoke of the bravery of injured soldiers he'd met throughout his presidency, and thanked members of the military for their service. He also thanked spectators for giving ''a retired guy something to do.''
After making comparisons between Texas and Oklahoma, especially in the football department, Bush moved on to the crux of his speech — patriotism.
“It is important on July 4 that all of us understand that because of the sacrifices of those who came before us America shines as a beacon of freedom,” he said.
Being commander and chief of the United States military is the biggest thing Bush said he misses about not being president anymore.
“On this Independence Day I give our heartfelt thanks to those who wear the uniform,” he said. “This generation will do its duty and we will prevail.”
Besides military patriotism, Bush said there were other forms of patriotism. He mentioned some local forms such as Meridian Owens, an 8-year-old Girl Scout who saved several people from a burning building in Woodward this past year.
“Patriotism comes in all different kinds of ways,” Bush said, “but they all involve serving something bigger than yourself.”
He recounted several stories of patriotism he heard while in the White House. He mentioned Christian Bagge who in 2005 lost both of his legs while in Iraq.
“One of the most uplifting duties of the presidency was meeting people like Chris-tian,” Bush said.
Bush said when he met Bagge he was told Bagge liked to jog. As a way to lift the soldier’s spirits Bush said he and Bagge could go out jogging at the White House sometime.A few months later Bush got a phone call from Bagge.
“He showed up at the White House with legs made of carbon fiber and a spirit stronger than steel,” Bush said. “He left me in the dust, and with his indelible portrait of courage and patriotism.”
Bush concluded his speech by saying, “If you’re a faithful person, I hope your faith is helping others.”
After finishing, Bush received another standing ovation. He then went into the crowd to shake some hands.
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