Bush links war on terror, Revolution

MOUNT VERNON, Va. – President Bush honored the 275th birthday of the nation’s first president Monday, likening George Washington’s long struggle that gave birth to a nation to the war on global terrorism.

“Today, we’re fighting a new war to defend our liberty and our people and our way of life,” said Bush, standing in front of Washington’s home and above a mostly frozen Potomac River.

“And as we work to advance the cause of freedom around the world, we remember that the father of our country believed that the freedoms we secured in our Revolution were not meant for Americans alone.”

Bush chose the national Presidents Day holiday to make his first visit as president to Mount Vernon. He and first lady Laura Bush helped lay a wreath at Washington’s tomb. Then the president gave a speech from a platform on the bowling green of the estate.

“I feel right at home here. After all, this is the home of the first George W. I thank President Washington for welcoming us today. He doesn’t look a day over 275 years old,” Bush said to laughter. Washington was born Feb. 22, 1732.

“As president, George Washington understood that his decisions would shape the future of our young nation and set precedent,” Bush said. “He formed the first Cabinet, appointed the first judges and issued the first veto.”

“Over the centuries, America has succeeded because we have always tried to maintain the decency and the honor of our first president.”