Secretary Powell greets Seeds of Peace campers
WASHINGTON, DC | On July 18, 2001, President George W. Bush welcomed participants of the first summer session of Seeds of Peace to the South Lawn of the White House. The visit came during the camp’s three-day trip to Washington, DC before the participants returned home.
The President, accompanied by First Lady Laura Bush, Vice President Cheney and Chief of Staff Andrew Card, were greeted by the campers with a special rendition of the Seeds of Peace song. President Bush had the chance to hear from Seeds of Peace campers Jawad Issa, a Palestinian, and Idan Aviv, an Israeli, on their experience at Seeds of Peace International Camp. Jawad and Idan each appealed to Bush to become more involved in the Middle East Peace Process.
The campers cherished the opportunity to meet the President and to visit the White House. They waved and cheered as President Bush boarded the Marine One helicopter on the start of his trip to Europe.
Earlier in the year, President Bush said the following about Seeds of Peace:
“If we are to build a brighter future for the young people of this world, then we must replace hatred and intolerance with compassion and understanding. Seeds of Peace offers hope in this vital mission. The organization brings tomorrow’s leader’s together to accomplish changing minds and hearts one person at a time.”
Hi, My name is Andrej Pavlovic, from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Now I am 31 years old, but I remember that 18th of July 2001 like it was today …
With other Seeds, I was standing at the stairs in front of the White House. The President “suddenly” came with a helicopter. He walked and passed by almost all of us kids there. Then he stopped and turned himself to a 15-year-old child. It was me standing in front of George W. Bush. We shook hands and had a small talk for maybe one minute, but during that minute I was like a Star:-))).
Still best memories during my visit in the US in the Summer 2001.
I want thank You (Seed of Peace) for offering me this huge experience and great time!
If you have pictures of that day would be great to send it to me for having this BIG MOMENT in my life in a photo.