2006年VOA标准英语-Bush Celebrates US Independence Day with Troops

By Paula Wolfson
Washington
04 July 2006

Americans are celebrating their Independence Day holiday Tuesday across the United States. President Bush was on the road, showing his support for U.S. troops.

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President Bush smiles as he poses for group photo with military personnel during his visit to U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Tuesday
  
On a sweltering Fourth of July the presidential jet, Air Force One, touched down near Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

President Bush told the waiting military personnel and their families it was the perfect place to celebrate Independence Day. "Today we mark the 230th anniversary of American independence. And on this day when we give thanks for our freedom, we also give thanks for the men and women who make our freedom possible," he said.

An estimated 3,500 troops gathered in the heat for the outdoor speech. The president, the back of his shirt stained with sweat, told them they are following in the tradition of the citizen-soldiers who fought for America's freedom. "You are serving our country at a time when our country needs you. And because of your courage, every day is Independence Day in America," he said.

Mr. Bush said their dedication¹ and sacrifice is key to victory in the war on terrorism. He said there have been signs of progress amidst the ongoing² violence in Iraq and Afghanistan. He cited the recent death of terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in Iraq, and a series of raids that he said have dealt a severe blow to the insurgents³.

The president did not indicate these positive signs might lead to a drop in U.S. troop levels in Iraq. But he did stress once again that setting a timetable for withdrawals⁴ would be a big mistake. "This moment when the terrorists are suffering from a wave of successive blows is not the time to call retreat. We will stay, we will fight and we will prevail," he said.

Mr. Bush paused to pay tribute to the more than 2,500 American troops who have died in Iraq since the start of the war in March 2003, stressing the fight must continue. "I am not going to allow the sacrifice of 2,527 troops who died in Iraq to be in vain by pulling out before the job is done," he said.

The president remained at Fort Bragg for a holiday lunch with members of an Army combat brigade, before heading back to Washington to see the national fireworks display.

About half a million people are expected to gather in the nation's capital for the event. Mr. Bush will watch along with family and friends gathered at the White House for an early birthday party. The president turns 60 on Thursday.

1 dedication   

n.奉献，献身，致力，题献，献辞

参考例句：

• We admire her courage,compassion and dedication.我们钦佩她的勇气、爱心和奉献精神。
• Her dedication to her work was admirable.她对工作的奉献精神可钦可佩。

2 ongoing   

adj.进行中的，前进的

参考例句：

• The problem is ongoing.这个问题尚未解决。
• The issues raised in the report relate directly to Age Concern's ongoing work in this area.报告中提出的问题与“关心老人”组织在这方面正在做的工作有直接的关系。

3 insurgents   

n.起义，暴动，造反( insurgent的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The regular troops of Baden joined the insurgents. 巴登的正规军参加到起义军方面来了。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Against the Taliban and Iraqi insurgents, these problems are manageable. 要对付塔利班与伊拉克叛乱分子，这些问题还是可以把握住的。 来自互联网

4 withdrawals   

n.收回，取回，撤回( withdrawal的名词复数 )；撤退，撤走；收回[取回，撤回，撤退，撤走]的实例；推出（组织），提走（存款），戒除毒瘾，对说过的话收回，孤僻

参考例句：

• He has made several withdrawals from his bank account. 他从银行账户上提了几次款。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• It is not the bank's policy to deduct interest on withdrawals. 提款需扣除利息这并非是本银行的政策。 来自辞典例句