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Vice President's Remarks
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For Immediate Release Office of the Vice President November 8, 2008

Vice President's Remarks Virginia Military Institute Lexington, Virginia

˙˙Photos


11:02 A.M. EST

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much General Peay. I appreciate the kind
introduction. I apologize for my laryngitis today. The good news is it's
going to be a short speech.

Secretary Jack Marsh, distinguished guests, members of the Corps, thank you
for the warm welcome to the Virginia Military Institute. In all my visits
to this campus I've never been more impressed than I am this morning.
Ladies and gentleman of the Corps, I know that each one of you is well
aware of the place that VMI holds in this commonwealth and in our country.
It's made immense contributions to defense of the nation. It's traditions
of honor, discipline, character and self-reliance are legendary and
unshakable. Its graduates form one of the most loyal and devoted alumni
groups found anywhere. For preparing leaders and giving steady service to
the nation, VMI is truly one of America's finest institutions.

In a time of challenge for our country, these are the very principles that
set America apart from our enemies. Seven years ago a war began with a
heartless attack on innocent Americans, perpetrated by men who reject and
despise every principle on which civilized life depends. They reject every
standard of moral conduct. They live not by a code, but by a cult of
murder, suicide and death. They compose not a den of criminals, but a
movement with global ambitions and a yearning to seize and use the
deadliest technologies against us. They are a strategic threat to the
United States. They continue to test us on many fronts, yet this nation
remains resolute. And as President Bush and I finish our terms of office,
we will ensure smooth and graceful transition of power to President-Elect
Obama and Vice President-Elect Biden, as they take up the duty of
protecting America.

In the struggle at hand, the stakes remain high, but I am confident of the
outcome. Those who hate America are no match for those who love America.
(Applause.)

In the great struggles of the 20th century, Americans never gave in to the
demands of dictators, militarists, Nazis or communists. In the great
struggle of the early 21st century, we will never give in to the jihadists.
We will oppose and confront them until we defeat them. (Applause.)

This war has already extracted a cost from VMI. You've lost men in the
attacks of 9/11 and on the field of honor in Iraq and Afghanistan. They
will never be forgotten. And for those fighting today, and in the future,
we pray they will be strong and victorious, and returned safely home. It
will ever be thus, as long as there are men and women like you to carry the
legacy. And I have confidence in every single one of you.

And VMI, you follow the same code of honor known to Marshall and thousands
of other leading citizens. You order your lives in the same manner. You
accept duty in a way that reflects enormous credit upon you and upon VMI.
And so I'm tremendously pleased to extend the respect of your fellow
Americans. And I thank you for giving me the honor of being on Post today.
I wish you well in your careers. May God grant you wisdom, and may he
always watch over the United States of America. (Applause.)

END 11:07 A.M. EST

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