George Bush actually said...

Without Lincoln, I don't believe we would be a whole nation today.

Desert Storm marked the end of an era of self-doubt and lingering uncertainty about America's staying power and sense of purpose.

Let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.

Put simply, he ensured that I received the unfettered advice of our key national security members.