US spirit of freedom can change world

Speaking from the steps of the West Virginia state capitol, the Republican president told hundreds of cheering, flag-waving supporters that the spirit of freedom wrought by America's declaration of independence from Britain on July 4, 1776, could transform troubled places -- including Iraq and Afghanistan.

"We still believe, on America's 228th birthday, that freedom has the power to change the world," Bush said in remarks laced with references to God and the courageous character of the US military.

"We are proud of our founders, but I know that the founders would be proud of America today," Bush said. "They would see a nation that is the world's foremost champion of liberty. They would see a nation which stands strong in the face of violent men."

Bush's Fourth of July appearance followed a momentous week in Iraq, where US authorities handed over power to an interim government and former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein made a defiant court appearance that was televised worldwide.