2006年VOA标准英语-Bush Honors Troops at Christmas（在线收听）

By Paula Wolfson
Washington
24 December 2006

President Bush is spending the long Christmas weekend in seclusion with his family at Camp David - the presidential mountain retreat. VOA's Paula Wolfson reports on Christmas Eve, he paid tribute to the men and women of the U.S. military.

President Bush, accompanied by first lady Laura Bush, addresses the media about his visit with wounded troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center

Spokeswoman Dana Perino quotes the president as saying he wanted to let them how much he appreciates their service, and how proud he is of each of them.

The sentiments echo those in the president's annual Christmas message to the armed forces. "Each of you is a volunteer who is answering a great call at an historic moment. You choose to serve a cause greater than yourself, and your courage and character are an inspiration for all who love freedom. By confronting the terrorists and bringing liberty to the oppressed you are making the American people safer and laying the foundations of peace for generations to come," he said.

In the taped message, Mr. Bush also thanked the families left behind, and said he joins them in praying for the safe return of the their loved ones in harm's way. "For generations the men and women of America's armed forces have served around the world fighting for freedom and keeping our nation safe. You continue that tradition today and your work makes America proud," he said.

On Saturday, the president met at Camp David with Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who recently returned from his first visit to Iraq. Mr. Bush will continue consultations on his Iraq policy after Christmas during a week-long stay at his Texas ranch. He is expected to announce a revised strategy for dealing with the situation in Iraq early in 2007.