The Bush twins wrote a letter to Sasha and Malia Obama, with their advice for how to handle life in the White House. “Today” asked if they would read the letter to viewers – and they agreed.

Watch these videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUUih7SI6qA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSXM0y8z8pg

By JENNA and BARBARA BUSH

Sasha and Malia, we were seven when our beloved grandfather was sworn in as the 41st President of the United States. We stood proudly on the platform, our tiny hands icicles, as we lived history. We listened intently to the words spoken on Inauguration Day service, duty, honor. But being seven, we didn’t quite understand the gravity of the position our Grandfather was committing to. We watched as the bands marched by the red, white, and blue streamers welcoming us to a new role: the family members of a President.

We also first saw the White House through the innocent, optimistic eyes of children. We stood on the North Lawn gazing with wonder at her grand portico. The White House was alive with devoted and loving people, many of whom had worked in her halls for decades. Three of the White House ushers, Buddy, Ramsey, and “Smiley”, greeted us when we stepped into her intimidating hallway. Their laughter and embraces made us feel welcome right away. Sasha and Malia, here is some advice to you from two sisters who have stood where you will stand and who have lived where you will live:

Surround yourself with loyal friends. They’ll protect and calm you and join in on some of the fun, and appreciate the history.

If you’re traveling with your parents over Halloween, don’t let it stop you from doing what you would normally do. Dress up in some imaginative, elaborate costume (if you are like us a pack of Juicy Fruit and a Vampiress) and trick-or-treat down the plane aisle.

If you ever need a hug, go find Ramsey. If you want to talk football, look for Buddy. And, if you just need a smile, look for “Smiley.”

And, a note on White House puppies – our sweet puppy Spot was nursed on the lawn of the White House. And then of course, there’s Barney, who most recently bit a reporter. Cherish your animals because sometimes you’ll need the quiet comfort that only animals can provide.

Slide down the banister of the solarium, go to T-ball games, have swimming parties, and play Sardines on the White House lawn. Have fun and enjoy your childhood in such a magical place to live and play.

When your dad throws out the first pitch for the Yankees, go to the game.

In fact, go to anything and everything you possibly can: the Kennedy Center for theater, State Dinners, Christmas parties (the White House staff party is our favorite!), museum openings, arrival ceremonies, and walks around the monuments. Just go. Four years goes by so fast, so absorb it all, enjoy it all!

For four years, we spent our childhood holidays and vacations in the historic house. We could almost feel the presence of all the great men and women who had lived here before us. When we played house, we sat behind the East sitting room’s massive curtains as the light poured in illuminating her yellow walls. Our seven-year-old imaginations soared as we played in the enormous, beautiful rooms; our dreams, our games, as romantic as her surroundings. At night, the house sang us quiet songs through the chimneys as we fell asleep.

In late December, when snow blanketed the front lawn, all of our cousins overtook the White House. Thirteen children between the ages of two and 12 ran throughout her halls, energized by the crispness in the air and the spirit of the season. Every room smelled of pine; the entire house was adorned with thistle; garlands wound around every banister. We sat on her grand staircase and spied on the holiday dancing below. Hours were spent playing hide-and-go-seek. We used a stage in the grand ballroom to produce a play about Santa and his reindeer. We watched as the National Christmas Tree was lit and admired the chef as he put the final icing on the gingerbread house.

When it was time, we left the White House. We said our goodbyes to her and to Washington. We weren’t sure if we would spend time among her historical walls again, or ever walk the National Mall, admiring the cherry blossoms that resembled puffs of cotton candy. But we did return. This time we were 18. The White House welcomed us back and there is no doubt that it is a magical place at any age.

As older girls, we were constantly inspired by the amazing people we met, politicians and great philosophers like Vaclav Havel. We dined with royalty, heads of states, authors, and activists. We even met the Queen of England and managed to see the Texas Longhorns after they won the National Championship. We traveled with our parents to foreign lands and were deeply moved by what we saw. Trips to Africa inspired and motivated us to begin working with HIV/AIDS and the rights of women and children all over the world.

Now, the White House ballrooms were filled with energy and music as we danced. The East sitting room became a peaceful place to read and study. We ran on the track in the front lawn, and squared off in sisterly bowling duels down in the basement alley.

This Christmas, with the enchanting smell of the holidays encompassing her halls, we will again be saying our good-byes to the White House. Sasha and Malia, it is your turn now to fill the White House with laughter.

And finally, although it’s an honor and full of so many extraordinary opportunities, it isn’t always easy being a member of the club you are about to join. Our dad, like yours, is a man of great integrity and love; a man who always put us first. We still see him now as we did when we were seven: as our loving daddy. Our Dad, who read to us nightly, taught us how to score tedious baseball games. He is our father, not the sketch in a paper or part of a skit on TV. Many people will think they know him, but they have no idea how he felt the day you were born, the pride he felt on your first day of school, or how much you both love being his daughters. So here is our most important piece of advice: remember who your dad really is.

Jenna Bush is a writer and educator, the author of the book “Ana’s Story” and the co-author, with her mother Laura Bush, of the picture book “Read All About It.”

Barbara Bush works for a public health-focused non-profit, Global Health Corps, and previously worked for The Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum.

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Today I had the honor of seeing our President speak at Fort Campbell. I wish Travis could have been there to see and hear his appreciation for those serving our country. I was also interviewed by a local television station which I wasn’t thrilled about nor did I have much to say other than how I felt honored and flattered to have seen President Bush speak. When asked how I felt about the next President… I simply answered; “no comment.”

It was a wonderful opportunity and one we will tell our daughter of how she was just a few feet from the stage and heard the President speak from my belly! Without doubt, she will grow up to have a very strong understanding of history and the political system so she may make educated decisions about this amazing country in which so many have and continue to fight for.

I also made a new friend whom I adore! I couldn’t have asked for a better day…

President Bush’ Speech:

Thank you. Please be seated, unless, of course, you don’t have a seat. (Laughter.) I am honored to be here at Fort Campbell. (Applause.) I’m honored to be with the Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne‚ (applause) the Night Stalkers of the 160th (applause) the Green Berets of the 5th Special Forces Group (applause) all members of the Fort Campbell community. (Applause.) You are part of the finest military in the world. I have one word for you: Hooah! (Applause.)

I also bring greetings. I also bring greetings from another man named Bush, America’s only skydiving President. (Laughter.) He said, pass on these two words: Air Assault! (Applause.)

In recent weeks, this post has been the scene of heartwarming family reunions. Many of you recently finished deployments to Iraq. You performed with courage and distinction on the front lines of the war on terror. You have returned on success. On behalf of a grateful nation, I’m proud to welcome home the “Bastogne” Brigade, the “Strike” Brigade, the “Rakkasan” Brigade (applause.) Job well done.

I want to thank General Townsend for his service. I’m proud to be with his wife, Melissa. I thank General Schloesser’s wife, Patty. I appreciate Maria McConville. I want to thank Theresa Vail. These women represent the military families who have sacrificed just like our military has. On behalf of an incredibly grateful nation, I extend our heartfelt thanks and our respect to the military families here on Fort Campbell. (Applause.)

I thank Governor Beshear, who is with us, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I want to thank the two Congress folks that represent this important base. Congressman Ed Whitfield from Kentucky, Congressman Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee. I also want to thank Congressman Zach Wamp from Tennessee, as well, for joining us.

I appreciate all the local and state officials who are here today. I particularly want to point out one person;  Staff Sergeant John [sic] Forbess. I had the honor of meeting John [sic] at the base of Air Force One. He was severely wounded in a helicopter crash in Iraq in 2003. Yet, despite his wounds, he volunteers in the Fisher House.

I’m proud of those of you who not only serve our nation by wearing a fabulous uniform, but serve our nation by feeding the hungry, and providing homes for the homeless, for loving your neighbor just like you like to be yourself, just like Sergeant Forbess has done.

I want to thank very much those who made this event happen. I mean, it’s not easy to host the President. (Laughter.) Thanks for coming out.

You know, we’re getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving. I’m looking forward to it. (Applause.) The day before my first Thanksgiving as your President, guess where I was.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Right here!

THE PRESIDENT: Right here at Fort Campbell. (Applause.) For those of you who weren’t here, I can only say that watching a bunch of Screaming Eagles tear into turkey is quite a sight. (Laughter.)

That Thanksgiving came shortly after the worst terrorist attack in our nation’s history. The war in Afghanistan had just begun, the “Rakkasans” were the first conventional brigade to join the battle. (Applause.) That November day, I said, “Once again, you have a Rendezvous With Destiny.” And today, there is no doubt that you have upheld this motto, you have done your duty, and you have defended the United States of America. (Applause.)

Over the past seven years, folks from this base have done exactly what they were trained to do. The Screaming Eagles, the Night Stalkers, the Fifth Special Forces Group have gone on the offense in the war against these killers and thugs. You have taken the battle of the terrorists overseas so we do not have to face them here in the United States. (Applause.) You have helped counter the hateful ideology of tyranny and terror with a more hopeful vision of justice and liberty. You’re part of the great ideological struggle of our time. With the soldiers of Fort Campbell out front, the forces of freedom and liberty will prevail. (Applause.)

The war on terror, the war against people who would do us harm again, is being waged on two main fronts,  Afghanistan and Iraq. In Afghanistan, we removed an oppressive regime that harbored the terrorists who planned the attacks that killed 3,000 folks on September the 11th, 2001. Because of our men and women in uniform, more than 25 million Afghans are free. Afghanistan is a democracy, an ally in the war on terror. And as a result of your courage, the American people are safer.

In the recent weeks, the members of the “Thunder” Brigade have begun deploying to Afghanistan for a new mission. You will replace the “Wings of Destiny” Brigade and join a powerful coalition of forces, including the “Currahees,” members of the “Life Liners.” You’ll join Major General Schloesser and his Division Headquarters. Together, you will help the people of Afghanistan defend their young democracy. Together, you will ensure that a noble goal is achieved; that Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for those who want to plot and kill American citizens.

The other main front in the war on terror is Iraq. In that country, we removed a dictator who murdered his own people, paid the families of suicide bombers, who threatened America’s security. As the regime crumbled, the dictator’s sons tried to run and hide. They could not hide from the United States military. They met their fate in Mosul at the hands of the Screaming Eagles. (Applause.)

Because we acted, the dictator, his sons, and their regime are no more. More than 25 million Iraqis are free. And a young democracy has taken root where a tyrant once ruled. Removing Saddam Hussein was the right decision then — and it is the right decision today. (Applause.)

With Saddam gone from power, our mission turned to helping the Iraqi people defend their freedom against violent extremists, including al Qaeda. In 2006, our efforts were faltering. So I reviewed our strategy and changed course. Instead of retreating, I ordered more troops into Iraq. And to lead the surge, I chose a former commanding general of the 101st Airborne, the man formerly known as Eagle Six, General David Petraeus. (Applause.)

Our troops conducted this surge with resolve and with valor, and nobody knows the impact better than the Screaming Eagles. When the “Bastogne” Brigade deployed to Salah al-Din last year, the province was still struggling to recover from the bombing of the famous Golden Mosque. But you partnered with the Iraqis to restore security. Schools and businesses are now open. The Golden Mosque is being rebuilt. Throughout the province, hope is returning; the terrorists are being driven out. The Iraqi people have the Screaming Eagles to thank.

Across Iraq, the surge has produced similar results. Since the surge began, violence and sectarian killings have fallen dramatically. Iraqi security forces have taken responsibility for 13 out of Iraq’s 18 provinces. Slowly but steadily, economic and political progress is taking place. Iraqis are working together for a more hopeful future.

As conditions on the ground continue to improve, we will further reduce American combat forces in Iraq, it’s a strategy I call “return on success.” So far, we’ve brought home a Marine Expeditionary Unit, two Marine battalions, six Army brigades without replacement, including the Rakkasans. And by the end of January, we’ll have brought home more than 4,000 additional troops.

As conditions on the ground continue to improve, we’re also making progress toward completing a strategic framework agreement and a security agreement with the Iraqi government. These landmark agreements will pave the way for a future of economic and diplomatic and military cooperation between our two countries. Iraqi lawmakers in Baghdad are now debating these agreements through the democratic process. It’s a good sign that Iraq has become a strong and vigorous democracy — and it’s a testament to the success of our men and women in uniform. The war in Iraq is not over. But we’re drawing closer to the day when our troops can come home. And when they come home, they will come home in victory. (Applause.)

The work you have done and are going to do is historical work. You see, the consequences of success in Iraq will resonate far beyond that country’s borders, and will resonate when your children and grandchildren begin to study the history of peace. Success will frustrate Iran’s ambitions to dominate the region. Success will show millions across the Middle East that a future of liberty and democracy is possible. Success will deny al Qaida a safe haven for launching new attacks. Success in Iraq will mean that the American people are more secure at home.

In Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond, our men and women in uniform have done everything we have asked of them and more. You’ve earned the thanks of every American.

You know, this is going to be my last Thanksgiving as President. Sometimes I am asked what I will miss most about the job. Well, above all, I’m going to miss spending time with men and women who have volunteered to serve the United States of America, the fine men and women who wear the uniform. We are blessed to have defenders of such character and courage. I’m grateful to the families who serve by your side. And I will always be thankful for the honor of having served as the Commander-in-Chief. (Applause.)

So Laura and I wish you and your families a safe and happy Thanksgiving. We join you in praying for our troops spending the holiday far from home. We pray for those who’ve been wounded in battle, and for all who love and care for them. We hold in our thoughts and prayers the brave men and women who have given their lives, and the families who mourn for them. We ask the Almighty to watch over everyone who puts on the uniform, and has volunteered to serve this great land.

It’s an honor to be with you today. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless the United States of America. (Applause.)

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