Trump says he expects to have Wounded Warriors to the White House for 'about seven more years' as he thanks vets for giving every 'ounce of blood, sweat, and tears' to the nationDaily Mail, Apr 6, 2017, Francesca Chambers
President Donald Trump welcomed veterans injured in action to the White House on Thursday and thanked them for rising to the occasion when duty called in service of the nation.
At an annual celebration that's held in tandem with the Wounded Warrior bike ride, Trump said the military men and women has defended the country with 'every ounce of blood, sweat, and tears in their bodies.'
'We're going to keep it going for a long time,' Trump said of the ninth annual Soldier Ride ceremony. Making a joke about his reelection prospects, Trump said, 'I should have it for about seven more years.'
With Trump was Vice President Mike Pence, who's son, Michael, is a United States Marine. First Lady Melania Trump was also present at the event. So was Tiffany Trump, the president's 23-year-old daughter and the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs and Interior , David Shulkin and Ryan Zinke.
Pence said Wound Warriors attending the event were 'heroes' and that it is his 'greatest privilege' as the father of a soldier to serve Trump.
'From the bottom of my heart, let me just say thank you for your service,' Pence told them.
The vice president said that he and his wife Karen, also at the event, may join on a future ride.
'Karen and I, are so proud to be a part of continuing this important tradition,' he said. 'In fact, we're bikers, and Karen and I hope some day to join the Wounded Warrior bike ride - on a sunny day - in the future,' he joked.
Rain pelting the Washington area, the celebration was held in the White House's East Room on Thursday and not on its South Lawn, where it had taken place a year before.
***
Taking the mic, Trump said, 'Melania and I are deeply honored to join you all today, and to stand here among real heroes. These are real heroes.'
'You've risked all that you have, all that you possess, to keep our people safe and our democracy secure,' Trump told attendees. 'You've earned our freedom with your sweat and your blood and your incredible sacrifice. We salute you, we salute your service, and we salute the flag you have so courageously protected.'
The United States and its values endure because of the men and women in the room, he said.
'You have not only poured out the blood - and all of your blood, in some cases - for this country, but you have poured out the love from your souls and from your hearts,' Trump told them.
Read more:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4387586/Trump-thanks-Wounded-Warriors-blood-sweat-tears.html#ixzz4dVoUt0T7
