President Bush thanks Legatus founder
by Matthew A. Rarey
President George W. Bush expresses gratitude for Legatus experience and award . . .
President George W. Bush penned a note of thanks to Legatus founder and chairman Tom Monaghan less than a day after speaking at Legatus' annual Summit in Dana Point, Calif.
In the note dated Feb. 6, Bush writes: "Dear Tom, It was a delight to have been with you yesterday at Dana Point. Thanks kindly for the invitation and the award. I truly enjoyed the time I was with you and Legatus. With very best wishes, George Bush."
In a wide-ranging talk that touched on the genesis of his political career as governor of Texas and his belief in the universality of freedom, Bush delighted the more than 450 Legatus members in attendance from across the country. It was the second time he had spoken at a Legatus event. In 2001, shortly after taking office as the country's 43rd president, he spoke at Legatus' inaugural pro-life conference in Washington, D.C.
At the conclusion of the President's remarks at this year's Summit, he answered a number of questions from members before Monaghan and Peggy Hartshorn, president of Heartbeat International, presented him with the Cardinal John J. O'Connor Pro-Life Award.