"I want the people of Liberia to know, Madame President, the United States stands with you,'' Bush told Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. "We want to help you recover from a terrible period. We want you to build lives of hope and peace, and under your leadership, that's exactly what's happening'' he told the cheering audience, "It's easier to tear a country down than it is to rebuild a country," Bush said. "And the people of this good country must understand the United States will stand with you as you rebuild your country.
While in Liberia, Bush also promised to give the country one million textbooks by the start of the next school year and enough desks and chairs for 10,000 students.
Liberia was the final stop on Bush's six-day tour of Africa. He is the first US leader in 30 years to visit Liberia, a nation founded in the 1820s by slaves freed by the United States.
The U.S and Liberian presidents prepare to inspect the honor guards.
Liberian Troops marched pass the president Bush during the honor guards review.
The car carrying both president sirleaf and Bush arrives at the Executive Mansion.
Traditional dancers were on hand to welcome the U.S President o Liberia.
U.S. President George W. Bush walks with President of Liberia Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf during an arrival ceremony at Spriggs Payne Airport in Monrovia.
Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, welcome the U.S president and his wife to Liberia.
U.S. President George W. Bush and President of Liberia Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf walk past an honor guard during an arrival ceremony at Spriggs Payne Airport in Monrovia.
President George Bush and President of Liberia Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf inspect an honor guard at Barclay Training Center in Monrovia.
Traditional Liberian dancers perform prior to President Bush's arrival for a lunch, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008, in Monrovia, Liberia.
President George W. Bush receives the key to the city of Monrovia from Mayor Ophelia Hoss-Saytumah in Monrovia.
U.S. President George W. Bush walks past Liberian dancers to join an outdoor lunch with Liberia's President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf at the Executive Residence in Monrovia .
President Bush waves after recieving Liberia's highest Honor, at the Executive mansion.
President Bush is presented with Liberia's highest civilian honor by Liberian president Sirleaf.
Liberians line the streets to welcome U.S. President George W. Bush in Monrovia.
U.S. President George W. Bush and Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf today held bilateral talks of mutual interest at the Foreign Ministry in Monrovia, Liberia's capital.
Today was not officially declared a national holiday in Liberia, but with thousands that gathered in the streets of Monrovia to welcome United States President George W. Bush, it certainly felt like one. School children, government workers, market women, and street peddlers lined the streets to welcome President Bush and his entourage to Liberia.here is a video of some of the celebrations today in Monrovia.
At the end of what he called a productive trip, Bush heaped praise on Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.
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