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President Bush Welcomes President of Poland for State Visit
As they walk toward the White House after the ceremony, President Bush talks with his visitors. The tradition of greeting heads of state stretches back 128 years.
As they walk toward the White House after the ceremony, President Bush talks with his visitors. The tradition of greeting heads of state stretches back 128 years.
 
President George W. Bush and Laura Bush stand with Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski and his wife Jolanta Kwasniewska for the playing of the national anthems for Poland and the United States during the State Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House Wednesday, July 17, 2002. After the playing of the national anthems, President Bush and President Kwasniewski review the troops. "Today, Poland and America are forging a new strategic relationship, but the friendship between our people is very old," said President Bush in his remarks. "Over two centuries ago, when Americans were fighting for our independence, Poles fought alongside us."
Embossed with raised gold letters, the official program for the State Arrival gives details of observed customs and the order of the ceremony. As they walk toward the White House after the ceremony, President Bush talks with his visitors. The tradition of greeting heads of state stretches back 128 years.
Approaching the podium, President Kwasniewski greets President Bush. "We are grateful to America, you, Mr. President, and your predecessors, for good will and help we have been receiving in Poland for dozen of years -- in all our efforts," said President Kwasniewski, addressing the crowd in English. "Poland is steadfast ally of the United States. We take over the co-responsibility for European and global security. On the 11th of September, all of us felt New Yorkers." The two leaders and their wives wave to one of the most crowded State Arrival Ceremonies in recent memory. "Today, Laura and I are honored to welcome (President Kwasniewski) and the First Lady to an America that is proud to call Poland friend and ally, and a partner," said President Bush.

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