Bush visits Pearl Harbor

Bush told the veterans they set a great example

US President George W Bush has paid tribute to American war veterans on a visit to the Pearl Harbor naval base in Hawaii.

Mr Bush, accompanied by his wife Laura, stopped off at the site on their way home from a week-long tour of Asia and Australia.

Mr Bush has frequently drawn parallels between the devastating Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December, 1941, and the 11 September, 2001, terror attacks on the United States.

Some of the battleships and submarines which fought in the recent Iraq war are stationed at the Pacific base.

'Glad to be home'

As the president and first lady toured Pearl Harbor in a small boat, soldiers stood to attention on board the USS Cheyenne submarine, which fired the first missile of the Iraq campaign.

Mr and Mrs Bush laid a flower by the wreck of the battleship USS Arizona, which was sunk with the loss of 1,177 crew.

The president and First Lady visited the battleship USS Missouri, aboard which the Japanese surrendered to the Allies in September, 1945.

Mr Bush spoke to veterans from World War II, the Korean War and survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

"We're thrilled to be here with you," Mr Bush told them.

"You set a great example for future soldiers and sailors. I'm glad to be home."