President Bush and Laura At The National Museum of Am. History

The National Museum of American History was recently put through a two-year, $85 million renovation. After the ceremony five people were sworn in as new citizens of the United States.

President George W. Bush smiles as he arrives to make remarks during the reopening ceremony for the National Museum of American History in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008.

President Bush:

“Thank you. Laura and I are thrilled to be here. We are honored you would invite us to reopen one of the country’s great civic institutions — the Smithsonian’s Museum of American History. This building is home to many of our national treasures. It is a reminder of our country’s proud heritage. And today we’re witnessing the beginning of an exciting new era in its history. And I would urge all our citizens who come to Washington, D.C.: Come to this fantastic place of learning.”

“There have been hours in our nation’s history when that promise of freedom looked uncertain. One of them took place 145 years ago today, when President Abraham Lincoln arrived in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to dedicate a cemetery at one of the Civil War’s bloodiest battlefields. By that day, the war had raged for more than two and a half years, and claimed hundreds of thousands of casualties. Many were convinced that a peace that preserved slavery would be better than a war that was pitting brother against brother. President Lincoln understood that liberty is a gift given by the Almighty — and that peace must not be purchased with injustice. “

President Bush:

“The items on display here are as diverse as our nation. Visitors can see George Washington’s military uniform, one of Thomas Edison’s early lightbulbs, the desk on which Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence — even Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves, which he modestly predicted would become the most famous thing in this building. “(Laughter from audience.)

President George W. Bush is silhouetted against an American flag exhibit Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008, during his visit with Mrs. Laura Bush to the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. White House photo by Eric Draper

President Bush:
“Another item on display here is one of our nation’s proudest symbols of patriotism. The icon’s fame dates to the war of 1812. In that conflict, the British Navy bombarded Baltimore’s Fort McHenry with rockets and mortar fire. And as the battle raged, a young American was detained on a ship in Baltimore Harbor, unable to join the fight. The next morning, he was anxious to see whether his country had resisted the invasion. He discovered the answer when he saw the stars and stripes of the United States waving defiantly above Fort McHenry. ”

“That young American, of course, was Francis Scott Key. He referred to the moment he saw the flag as an “hour of deliverance and joyful triumph.” He recorded those emotions in a poem called “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Today, nearly two centuries after they were composed, his words are written on the heart of every American — and written into our law as our country’s national anthem. And the flag that inspired them is preserved here, thanks to the generosity of some fine citizens, to remind us of the sacrifices that have been made to ensure our freedom. “

President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush join five new American citizens in pledging allegiance to the U.S. flag following their citizenship ceremony at the reopened National Museum of American History in Washington November 19, 2008. [Note that everyone is facing the flag except for the fellow in the brown suit–he seems more interested in the President, lol

“Throughout our history, these ideals have called out to those beyond our shores. They have beckoned those who love liberty from every nation. They have made countless generations of men and women across the world long for the pride that comes with calling yourself an American citizen. Today, I’m delighted to congratulate five of you who will be taking your oath of citizenship in just a few moments. Though you are originally from France, Germany, Guyana, Lebanon, and Peru, today you’re becoming members of the American family. We welcome you with open arms. I will be proud to call you fellow citizen.”

“The Museum of American History is a wonderful place to begin your journey as an American. These halls reflect both the duties and privileges of citizenship. They remind us that America’s highest ideals have always required brave defenders. They remind us that our liberty is a precious gift from God.
Thank you for having Laura and me here. May God continue to bless the United States of America. ” (Applause.)

Wild Thing’s comment…….
Everything has added significance now that we know there are only a few weeks left before Number 44 takes office.