Rich,
This says a lot about Bush. I just received it from my brother. I thought you might appreciate it.
It's sort of ironic for me to forward it to you since I'm usually forwarding your columns to him. :-)
Best wishes,
Jennifer Laycock
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Jenn
Thought you would like to hear a story about the President. I think it is very telling how people act when there are no cameras or reporters around. I am sure that the President did not expect this to be reported.
Rob
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Howdy.
The article was written for OCF (Officer Christian Fellowship) about the President's visit to one of the military officers injured during the Pentagon attack.
Subject: Pentagon Update/Vignette
I just came from an informal, outdoor memorial service that MG Van Antwerp gave for the two ladies from ACSIM that were lost last week. It was quite moving. The families were there and it was clear that this meant a lot to them. The General has a sincere way of sharing his own faith that helps lift everyone's spirits.
What I wanted to share, however, was a vignette General Van related about the President and the general's executive officer who was badly burned over 50% of his body. General Van said that the President visited LTC Brian Birdwell at Washington Hospital Center. He spent time talking with Brian. He prayed with Brian. And then as he was getting ready to leave, he went to the foot Brian's bed and saluted Brian.
The President then held that salute as Brian, with burned and bandaged arms, ever so slowly returned the salute.
It wasn't hard to picture the scene in my mind, and I think it says a lot about our Commander-in-Chief.