'War sacrifices deserve victory'

2005-08-20 17:28

Crawford, Texas - US President George W Bush, besieged at his Texas ranch by relatives of US soldiers killed in Iraq, said on Saturday that the best way to honour fallen troops was to win the war on terrorism.

"We must finish the task that our troops have given their lives for and honour their sacrifice by completing their mission," the president said in his weekly radio address from his Prairie Chapel property near this tiny town.

"They know that if we do not confront these evil men abroad, we will have to face them one day in our own cities and streets, and they know that the safety and security of every American is at stake in this war, and they know we will prevail," said Bush, who was here on a five-week vacation from Washington.

The stay has been marked by a high-profile protest against the war in Iraq led by Cindy Sheehan, who says she wants to share her opposition to the conflict with the president in person.

Sheehan, who met with Bush shortly after her son Casey was killed in Iraq in 2004, left the makeshift camp outside the ranch and was in Los Angeles on Friday to tend to her sick mother, but promised to return soon.

9/11 anniversary coming up

In his radio remarks, Bush noted that the four-year anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist strikes was coming up and said he would be marking that event and thanking US soldiers he said were "on the front lines".

He did not mention efforts by Iraqi political leaders to craft a constitution, or their failure to nail down a charter by last Monday's deadline.

Bush was to travel to Utah on Monday to address a major veterans group, and head to Idaho Wednesday to speak with members of the Idaho National Guard, as well as praise forces who played a key role in the Afghanistan campaign.

The president said he would commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of fighting in the Pacific theatre of World War Two.

"Like previous wars we have waged to protect our freedom, the war on terror requires great sacrifice from Americans," especially those serving in the armed forces, said Bush.

"In this war, many of these brave men and women have given their lives to defend their fellow citizens and to bring the hope of freedom to millions who have not known it. We owe these fallen heroes our gratitude, and we offer their families our heartfelt condolences and prayers."

- AFP