Remarks on Being Presented the Order of Three Stars, First-Class in Riga, Latvia,
May 7, 2005

Madam President, I gratefully accept. I am so honored and so thrilled to be here in your beautiful country.

I was telling the President that it’s such a joy to come to a country that loves and values freedom and to be in the presence of a President who speaks so clearly about the need for people to be free and her recognition that a free world will yield peace.

And so Madam President, thank you for your hospitality, and thank you so much for this great honor. Appreciate it.

Note: The President spoke at 9:55 a.m. at Riga Castle. In his remarks, he referred to President Vaira Vike-Freiberga of Latvia. A tape was not available for verification of the content of these remarks.