“Each year, the President invites Members of Congress and their families to an annual Congressional picnic,” the Congressman said.  “Invitations are extended to Members of Congress, their families, and members of the President’s administration.  Among those attending this year’s event was Vice President Dick Cheney, U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norm Mineta, and U.S. Secretary of Health Tommy Thompson.”

         “President and Mrs. Bush welcomed the crowd of about 500 and thanked Members of Congress from both political parties ‘for doing such a fine job on behalf of the United States of America.’  The President also said, ‘You know what I know.  We’re blessed to live in a great country.  And one of the things that makes us great is we’ve got tremendous values.  We believe in freedom, respect for others, personal responsibility.  And today is a day for us all to come together and to celebrate those fantastic values, and for us – for Laura and me and for Dick and Lynne to thank you on behalf of a grateful nation for serving our country so well.’”

         “After the President’s opening remarks, we were entertained by the Temptations and guests lined up to eat southern fried chicken, hot dogs, potato salad and cole slaw.  In this informal setting, President Bush also walked around and personally greeted and took pictures with his guests,” Faleomavaega said.

         “When President Bush saw my guest, Pita Elisara, a graduate of Tafuna High School who is now playing with the Washington Redskins, he put one arm around my shoulder and the other around Pita’s and lifted himself off the ground.  Sandwiched between two Samoans, the President laughed and smiled and took several pictures with us.  We also visited for a few moments and just had an enjoyable time.”

         “All in all, it was a memorable occasion and a special evening,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “President and Mrs. Bush were gracious hosts and I thank them also for serving our country so well.”