Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, February 1, 1991 TAG: 9102010742
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A/4 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: CHERRY POINT MARINE AIR STATION, N.C. LENGTH: Medium
With an attack helicopter as a backdrop, the president said the United States and its allies "will prevail, make no mistake about that. And when we do, we will have taught a dangerous tyrant and those few who would follow in his footsteps that there is no place for lawless aggression in this critical region."
But the president also cautioned that "achieving our goals will require time and sacrifice."
Bush's mention of sacrifice was particularly meaningful to the Marines and their families who greeted him at this air station. The first ground casualties of the Gulf War were Marines, 11 killed as allied forces battled an Iraqi incursion into Saudi Arabia on Wednesday and Thursday.
The president's next stop was Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, N.C., where he planned to meet with the families of two pilots listed as prisoners of war and two others missing in action. The White House declined to identify the families.
"To all of you - spouses, children, parents, loved ones, Marines - you're doing more than just keeping the home fires burning, your dedication and bravery is lighting the heart, believe me, it is lighting the heart of every American," Bush told the crowd at Cherry Point.
"It comes as little surprise," said Bush "that the first ground engagement in the gulf involved Marines and it comes as no surprise that the Marines fought with great distinction and fought very bravely.
"Their professionalism and sacrifice will end the nightmare, I'm absolutely confident of that, will end the nightmare of Iraq's brutal occupation and ensure that Kuwait is once again free."
"We are on course," said Bush. "We are on schedule and things go well." He said, "Day by day, night by night, Iraq's capacity to wage war is being systematically destroyed."
Bush, addressing the annual National Prayer breakfast Thursday attended by political and diplomatic officials, asked that Americans observe Sunday as "a national day of prayer."
"I encourage all people of faith to say a special prayer on that day - a prayer for peace, a prayer for the safety of our troops, a prayer for their families, a prayer for the innocents caught up in this war, and a prayer that God will continue to bless the United States of America," Bush said.
by CNB