10 May 2004

Bush to Visit Rome, Paris, Normandy for WW II Anniversary Events

June visit will mark 60th anniversary of Italy's liberation, D-Day

President Bush will visit Rome June 4 to mark the 60th anniversary of Italy's liberation by allied forces during World War II, the White House announced May 10.

He will meet with Italian President Carlo Ciampi and Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, and with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican.

Bush will go to Paris and then on to Normandy June 6 for the 60th anniversary of D-Day, the allied invasion that was the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe.

Following is the White House announcement:

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THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
May 10, 2004

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

President Bush will arrive in Rome, Italy, on June 4, 2004, for meetings with President Ciampi and Prime Minister Berlusconi. June 4 marks the 60th Anniversary of the World War II liberation of Rome by American and Allied forces. Today, Italy stands as a NATO Ally, and is a major contributor to international efforts to strengthen security and democracy in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Balkans.

The President will also go to the Vatican to meet with Pope John Paul II. His Holiness has been a symbol of moral courage, and of human freedom and dignity. This will be President Bush's third meeting with the Pope during his term of office.

The President will depart Rome on June 5, 2004 en route to Paris and Normandy.

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