Bush Appeals For Support On Iraq

Calls For Helping Troops During 3rd Independence Day Visit To W.Va.

(AP)  President Bush, speaking on America's birthday, said the insurgents in Iraq will fail to stop democracy in that country and U.S. forces will stay "until the fight is won."

The president also asked Americans to support U.S. troops by flying the flag, writing a letter to troops in the field and supporting a military family down the street.

Mr. Bush was applauded often as he spoke at a campus setting at the West Virginia University in front of American flags and red, white and blue bunting hanging from windows.

He said the insurgents won't win in Iraq.

"They continue to kill in hope they will break the resolve of the American people but they will fail," Mr. Bush said.

Mr. Bush said Iraqis are fighting alongside Americans, telling the cheering crowd, "As Iraqis stand up, we will stand down, and then our troops can come home to a proud and grateful nation."

On a hot, steamy day, the president removed his tie and rolled up his sleeves as he vowed, "We will stay until the fight is won." He added, "In this war there's only one option and that is victory."

Mr. Bush characterized the insurgents in Iraq as "men who celebrate murder" as they seek to spread their ideology and "turn the Middle East into a haven of terror."

Even though the television images of death "are "difficult for our compassionate nation to watch," Mr. Bush said, the insurgents are no closer to stopping the move toward democracy.