Reply #3: I posted this same article elsewhere [View All]

[Dudley_DUright]

but I think Madsen has got this wrong. This is from the CNN international timeline:

<snip>

• 5:31 p.m. (9:31 a.m. EST): Air Force One touches down at Baghdad International Airport. It is the first time a U.S. president has visited Iraq. The people on the ground at the airport do not know it is Air Force One landing.

In the Bob Hope Dining Facility about 600 members of the 1st Armored Division and the 82nd Airborne Division had gathered for Thanksgiving dinner. The soldiers are anticipating speeches by Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, coalition ground commander, and chief civilian administrator L. Paul Bremer. They are surprised when the president appears to deliver an address to the troops and Iraqi people. (Full story)

"I bring a message on behalf of America," the president says. "We thank you for your service, we're proud of you, and America stands solidly behind you." (Complete transcript)

Afterward, following Army tradition, Bush joins senior officers in serving Thanksgiving dinner to the troops. Many soldiers shake the president's hand

Bush later meets with four Iraqi Governing Council members and with Sanchez.

• 7:56 p.m. (11:56 a.m. EST): Reporters reboard Air Force One.

• 8 p.m. (noon EST): Air Force One leaves Baghdad.

<snip>

more...

http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/11/27/sprj.irq.bush.tic.toc/