Bush Honors Veterans, Terrorist Victims

President Bush led America’s tribute to veterans here Sunday, then returned to the World Trade Center site to participate in an international ceremony commemorating those who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks exactly two months ago.

The flag-bedecked ceremony was light on oratory but heavy with symbolism. The names of all 86 nations that lost citizens in the twin towers were read during the observance--underscoring the international scope of the attacks.

Bush did not speak, but his grim countenance signaled anew his determination to press the war on terrorism.

The roll call of nations was read by actor Ron Silver. As the names of the nations were read, in alphabetical order, U.S. soldiers slowly carried the appropriate flags up a flight of stairs onto a platform. There the flags were placed in stands to form two parallel rows.

On a brisk but sunny afternoon, the flags flapped gently in the breeze as Bush stood silently with United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Secretary of State Colin L. Powell and several other dignitaries, many of them in overcoats.

After the flag presentation, Bush wrote this message on a Wall of Nations: “Good will triumph over evil. May God bless you all.”

Three clergymen--representing the Muslim, Jewish and Catholic faiths--spoke, offering brief prayers.

The event’s international flavor dovetailed with the message that Bush took to the United Nations General Assembly, which he addressed on Saturday.

During that speech, Bush said that all nations have a stake in the war on terrorism because each is “a potential target.” At another point, he said: “If we were to read the names of every person who died, it would take more than three hours.”

Bush first visited the twin towers site three days after the attacks and delivered a stirring, impromptu address to rescue workers.

Before returning to Washington on Sunday afternoon, the president met with more foreign leaders, including the presidents of South Africa, Colombia and Argentina. On Tuesday, Bush will host Russian President Vladimir V. Putin at the White House.

Earlier Sunday, Bush received a rousing welcome from several hundred veterans at the Park Avenue 7th Regiment Armory, where he delivered a Veterans Day address.

There, Bush was showered with adulation from New York officials, led by Gov. George Pataki, Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Mayor-elect Michael Bloomberg. As Giuliani lauded Bush’s post-Sept. 11 job performance, the outgoing Republican mayor of this heavily Democratic city turned to the president and said: “This city that didn’t vote for you is in love with you.”

At that, the crowd and Bush broke into hearty laughter.

Giuliani also took note of the past nine weeks, saying: “Sometimes it seems like yesterday; sometimes it seems like a very, very long time ago.”

In his remarks to veterans, Bush said that he hopes the current counter-terrorism campaign will imbue Americans with a fresh appreciation for servicemen and women.

“America has always needed such bravery and such people, and we’ve always found them amongst us,” the president said. “Americans have seen the terrible harm that an enemy can inflict. It has left us deeply grateful for the men and women who rise strongly in the defense of our nation.”

Sounding a bellicose note, Bush continued:

“Al Qaeda and the Taliban have made a serious mistake. And because our military is brave and prepared and courageous, they will pay a serious price.”

He added:

“The evil ones have roused a mighty nation, a mighty land. And for however long it takes, I am determined that we will prevail. And prevail we must, because we fight for one thing, and that is the freedom of our people and the freedom of people everywhere.”

Bush had similar praise for New York’s police, fire and rescue workers, referring to them as “people who served with such distinction and such courage that whenever an American hears the word police or fire, we think differently. We think differently about the job. We think differently about the character of those who serve on a daily basis. We think differently about those who go to work every single day to protect us and save us and comfort us.”