President George W. Bush praised America's military in his weekly radio address today, and touted the formation of a new government in Iraq. Noting that this weekend marks the Memorial Day holiday, which commemorates American soldiers killed in battle, Bush paid tribute to the graduating class at the West Point Academy. “America is free because generations of young Americans have been willing to sacrifice to defend the country they love, so their fellow citizens could live in liberty,” Bush said. The address tied the actions of U.S. soldiers to the newly-formed Iraqi government. “The formation of a democratic government in Iraq marks a victory for the cause of freedom in the Middle East,” Bush said. “It is a victory for millions of Iraqis … for the Iraqi security forces, who fought and bled for this moment … And it is a victory for the American, British, and other coalition forces who removed a murderous dictator who threatened the world,” Bush said. “The new government in Iraq is also a defeat for the terrorists, who fought the arrival of a free and democratic Iraq with all the hateful power they could muster,” he said. “Something fundamental has changed: terrorists are now fighting a free and constitutional government. They are at war with the people of Iraq,” Bush said. Praising American troops, Bush said U.S soldiers killed in battle gave their lives “for freedom, liberated the oppressed, and left the world a better and safer place.” “The best way to honor America's fallen heroes is to carry on their fight, defend our freedom, and complete the mission for which they gave their lives,” Bush said.
