, Haiti's infection rate from HIV had fallen, and PEPFAR programs were helping to
provide antiretrovirals to nearly eighteen thousand men, women, and children. We left
hoping that more things would change, never imagining the devastating earthquake to
come.
In April, Benedict XVI made the first visit by a Pope to the White House in
almost thirty years. He came on April 16
wholesale newports, his birthday, and more than thirteen thousand
guests welcomed him on the South Lawn
nfl wholesale jerseys, spontaneously serenading the Pontiff with
"Happy Birthday" during the arrival ceremony. It was the largest gathering on record at
the White House.
The papal nuncio told the White House that the Pope had decided to arrive on his
birthday because "you spend your birthday with your friends." He wanted the visit to be a
reflection of his respect for the United States, for its generosity and charity. We were
deeply touched.
We decorated with yellow and white tulips, in honor of the papal colors, and
under a sky of brilliant blue
marlboro cigarettes website, the soloist Kathleen Battle performed "The Lord's Prayer,"
rather than a traditional anthem or marching song. We had asked if there was any song
the Pope would like to hear, and the papal nuncio said the song with the words "Glory
wholesale newports cigarettes!
Glory! Hallelujah." So Sergeant Alvy Powell led the Army Chorus in singing the Civil
War anthem "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Then George spoke. "Here in America,
you'll find a nation of compassion. . . . Each day citizens across America answer the
universal call to feed the hungry and comfort the sick and care for the infirm. Each day
across the world the United States is working to eradicate disease, alleviate poverty,
promote peace and bring the light of hope to places still mired in the darkness of tyranny
and despair. . . . In a world where some invoke the name of God to justify acts of terror
and murder and hate, we need your message that 'God is love.'"
Pope Benedict talked of America's pluralistic society and how "all believers have
found here the freedom to worship God in accordance to the dictates of their conscience."
He continued, "Freedom is not only a gift
cheap carton newports, but also a summons to personal responsibility.
Americans know this from experience--almost every town in this country had its
monuments honoring those who sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom, both at home
and abroad."
He ended with the words "God bless America."
When the arrival ceremony was complete, we walked inside the White House and
up to the State Floor. I'd asked the pastry chef to prepare a birthday cake for the Pope.
When we wheeled out the four-tier cream and white cake, adorned with white icing
ribbons and a single white candle, his eyes lit up with surprise.
The visit was deeply meaningful for George and for me, and also for the many
members of our family who are Catholic, including Jeb and his wife, Columba, and
Doro's husband, Bobby Koch, and their children.
That night Pope Benedict had a private dinner with his Am