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President greets new Americans

Julia Freeman, 7, takes the oath of citizenship along with other new U.S. citizens at Monticello, the historic home of Thomas Jefferson, in Charlottesville, Va., on Friday. Associated Press (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
Johanna Neuman Los Angeles Times
Julia Freeman, 7, takes the oath of citizenship along with other new U.S. citizens at Monticello, the historic home of Thomas Jefferson, in Charlottesville, Va., on Friday. Associated Press (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

WASHINGTON – It was his last Fourth of July as president and his first visit to Monticello, the home of the author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson.

It was not a long trip – 40 minutes by helicopter from the White House plus a 10-minute motorcade to arrive at the home Jefferson built for himself and his family in Charlottesville, Va.

President Bush’s stated purpose was to welcome and attend the swearing-in of 72 new citizens from 30 countries, including one from Burma. But his voice showed emotion when he talked about spreading freedom to other countries, one of his rationales for the war in Iraq.

Quoting Jefferson as saying that the principles of the Declaration were universal, Bush said: “We honor Jefferson’s legacy by aiding the rise of liberty in lands that do not know the blessings of freedom.”

Without mentioning Iraq, Afghanistan or the war on terrorism, he added, “And on this Fourth of July, we pay tribute to the brave men and women who wear the uniform of the United States of America.”

Bush was interrupted repeatedly by protesters shouting, “Defend the Constitution, impeach Bush!” and “War Criminal!”

Bush diverged from his prepared remarks to respond to the hecklers, explaining to America’s newest citizens, “We believe in free speech in the United States of America.”