Download Watoto Songs

"We've worked with African drum and dance groups before," Zanes said from New York City, where he lives. "But we had no idea what we were about to encounter. They showed up with choreographed dances for the songs we do. They had outfits. It was a whole other level. We added a couple of tunes because we basically wanted the kids to be onstage with us even longer."

President Delivers Remarks at 52nd Annual National Prayer Breakfast

Remarks by the President at the National Prayer Breakfast

Washington Hilton Hotel

Washington, D.C.

President's Remarks

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listen 7:50 A.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. (Applause.) Please be seated.Thank you. (Applause.) Good morning. Thank you. (Applause.) Goahead and be seated. Thank you and good morning. Laura and I are honored to join you once again for this annualprayer breakfast. This event brings us together for fellowship, andit's a good chance to see who gets up early in Washington. (Laughter.) I appreciate the warm welcome. I appreciate the friendship and thekindred spirit. All of us believe in the power of prayer. And for alot of people here in Washington, a prayer has been answered with threewords: Coach Joe Gibbs. (Laughter and applause.) Joe is admired fora great career, and even more, he is respected for his convictions andhis character. Joe, we're glad to see you back on the job.(Applause.) I'm all in favor of second terms. (Laughter andapplause.) This event is also a chance to hear beautiful songs of praise.Shortly, we'll hear the wonderful voice of Twila Paris. And Laura andI were delighted once again to hear the Watoto chorus from Uganda.This is our third time to hear these beautiful voices. I hope to hearthem a lot more. These boys and girls have known great sadness andloss, yet their voices carry a message of hope and joy. And we're soglad -- so glad -- they could be with us here this morning. I appreciate being in the presence of John Abizaid, our general.He is a decent and honorable man. I want to thank Senators Inhofe andNelson for taking time out of their busy days to organize thisimportant prayer breakfast. I appreciate your leadership. Iappreciate being in the presence of -- (applause) -- a little slow tocatch on there. I see the Majority Leader, Frist, is here, and a lot of members ofthe Senate, and a lot of members of the House. Thank you all forcoming. Members of my Cabinet who are here; members of the JointChiefs, I see -- distinguished citizens, when we come together everyyear, we leave aside the debates of the working day. We recognize ourdependence on God and pray with one voice for His blessings on ourcountry. We're in the capital of the most powerful nation on Earth,yet we recognize the limits of all earthly power. God serves His ownpurposes and does not owe us an explanation. In prayer, we ask for wisdom and guidance. And the answers seldomcome in blinding revelations. Yet prayer can bring good things: gracefor the moment, and faith in the future. Americans are a prayerfulpeople, and this past year we've offered many prayers. We have prayedfor the safety of our nation and for those who defend us. We've prayedfor the families of men and women killed or wounded in conflict, thatin grief and trouble, God may be their refuge and their strength.We've prayed for the people of Iraq and Afghanistan, that they may livein safety and in freedom. Many Americans have prayed every day andevery week for those in authority, and I thank them for that wonderfulgift. And I know you do, as well. Many prayers also express our gratitude. And Americans in a timeof danger have found much to be grateful for. We are thankful for thegoodness and character of our fellow citizens, revealed on the morningof September the 11th, and present every day in the life of thiscountry. We are thankful that we live in a free nation, with the strength todefend our freedom. We are thankful for the brave and decent men andwomen of the United States military who volunteer to defend us all.America's Armed Forces have shown great skill in battle, perseveranceunder extremely difficult conditions. They've also shown the best ofour country in other ways, as well. The world has seen the kind ofpeople America sends forth, from our towns and neighborhoods, who servein freedom's cause. They are the sort of people, who when the fightingis done, are kind and compassionate toward innocent citizens. Andtheir compassion, as much as their courage, has made this countryproud. As General Abizaid can attest, the people under our command in Iraqhave been caring and generous toward the people they have liberated.Seeing great need, our servicemen and women have rebuilt hospitals,repaired schools, and organized the donation of books and clothing andtoys for Iraqi children. Others have helped to build clinics and layout soccer fields. One member of the Army National Guard, Specialist Glenn Carlson,spent his time on leave in New York, collecting children's clothing totake back to Iraq. Here's what he says: "I think that in the end, itwill be the simple acts of kindness that make the difference."Specialist Carlson and many others are helping to build a free Iraq,not only by using force against the violent, but by extending thefriendship and compassion of the American people. Our people in uniform understand the high calling they haveanswered because they see the nation and the lives they are changing.A guardsman from Utah named Paul Holton has described seeing an Iraqigirl crying and decided then and there to help that child and otherslike her. By enlisting aid through the Internet, Chief Warrant OfficerHolton had arranged the shipment of more than 1,600 aid packages fromoverseas. Here's how this man defines his own mission: "It is part ofour heritage that the benefits of being free, enjoyed by all Americans,were set up by God, intended for all people. Bondage is not of God,and it is not right that any man should be in bondage at any time, inany way." Everyone one in this room can say amen to that. (Applause.) There's another part our heritage we are showing in Iraq, and thatis the great American tradition of religious tolerance. the Iraqipeople are mostly Muslims, and we respect the faith they practice. Ourtroops in Iraq have helped to refurbish mosques, have treated Muslimclerics with deference, and are mindful of Islam's holy days. Some ofour troops are Muslims themselves, because America welcomes people ofevery faith. Christians and Jews and Muslims have too often beendivided by old suspicions, but we are called to act as what we are --the sons and daughters of Abraham. Our work in a troubled part of the world goes on, and what we havebegun, we will finish. In the years of challenge, our country willremain strong, and strong of heart. And as we meet whatever test mightcome, let us never be too proud to acknowledge our dependence onProvidence and to take our cares to God. (Applause.) I want to thank you for continuing this fine annual tradition, andfor your hospitality. May God bless you, and may He always watch overour country. Thank you. (Applause.) END 8:00 A.M. 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