George Bush’s Infamous Banner

On May 1, 2003, George W. Bush stepped onto the bridge of the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln, in the garb of an air force pilot (it must be better to land on a boat off the coast of San Diego than to enlist for service during the Vietnam War). Behind him, a banner proclaimed: “Mission Accomplished.” As he often did, W. hadn’t really thought out this scene. The mission was indeed accomplished for the 4,288 soldiers who have been killed since that May 1, and the 32,900 others who have been wounded. This banner haunted the rest of his calamitous presidency. W. has tried to put a distance between him and the banner in affirming that it was the Navy who, in an excess of zeal, had ordered that it be set up in the colors of the Star-Spangled Banner. Finally, the White House had to admit that posting this triumphant slogan was indeed its idea, “but only after the Navy crew had suggested it.”* Don’t make me laugh. This banner story is a huge classic: It’s always the least patriotic who wrap themselves up in the flag. The same goes for Dick Cheney, who also managed not to get sent off to Vietnam.

Just when Bush and Cheney (who Bush wanted to replace for his reelection campaign in 2004) delivered the first blow to the heads of the foundations of the George Bush Presidential Library, which will receive the archives of his presidency, the banner issue came back to light. This banner was part of the archives held by the different departments of the Army, and which were recently sent to the administrator of the future presidential library, which should open in 2013. Should we display this stupid banner? That’s the question. Alan Lowe, the director of the library, questioned by USA Today, didn’t want to reveal where it would be displayed. In an interview on NBC with journalist Matt Lauer, W. finally admitted that "no question, it was a mistake," all the while continuing to deny that it was his idea. Brave, George.


*Editor's Note: This quote, correctly translated, could not be verified.