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CNN Live Today

President Bush Spends Memorial Day in France

Aired May 27, 2002 - 10:05   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KRIS OSBORN, CNN ANCHOR: The nation's commander-in-chief marked the day at the U.S. cemetery in Normandy, France, a battleground, of course, and turning point in World War II. And the visit reflects not only on the past, but makes a history of its own. Mr. Bush is the first president to mark Memorial Day outside the U.S. while in office. CNN's Kelly Wallace is traveling with the president.

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KELLY WALLACE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (on camera): President Bush doing something unusual for a U.S. president: observing Memorial Day outside the United States. But it came to one of the most powerful symbols for the American sacrifice during World War II, at a time when the United States is engaged in another war, the fight again terrorism.

It was Mr. Bush's first visit ever to the American cemetery in Normandy, where more than 9,000 American soldiers are buried. Many lost their lives storming the beaches on that day, the 6th of June back in 1944, which ultimately helped defeat Nazi Germany and helped bring about an end to World War II. The president said America would never forget their sacrifice, but he also paid tribute to those who lost their lives if the current war, the current fight against terror.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: For some military families in America and in Europe, the grief is recent. With the losses we have suffered in Afghanistan, they can know, however, that the cause is just. And like other generations, these sacrifices have spared many others from tyranny and sorrow.

WALLACE: The tribute also included a 21-gun salute. Mr. Bush remembering the French soldiers and other Allied forces who also lost their lives helping to liberate Europe. And he said, just as the U.S. and its allies worked together during World War II, they're linked again in the fight against terrorism.

The president beginning his day with a visit to the small town of Sainte-Mere-Eglise, this the first town in France to be liberated by American forces in 1944. Residents of the town coming out to give the Bushes, along with French President Chirac and his wife a very warm welcome.

The president, during his European tour, trying to shore up international support for the ongoing campaign against terrorism. Mr. Bush didn't say it here, but he has said during trip that just as the United States and its allies face the threat of the Nazi forces 40 years ago, they face another threat today: the threat of terror.

Kelly Wallace, CNN, Normandy.

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