Bush challenges Mississippians to make a difference. (Southern Scrapbook).

U.S. President George W. Bush called on each Mississippian to take responsibility for helping to rebuild the nation's spirit in the wake of last year's terrorist attacks, during an August visit to the Magnolia State.

"America can be saved one heart, one soul, one conscience at a time," Bush told a flag-waving, standing-room-only crowd at Madison Central High School's gymnasium. "One person can't do everything, I know that. The task seems large. But one person can do something, and I'm asking you to be that one person to do something to help make your community and Mississippi and our nation a place of hope, a place of decency, a place of compassion for every citizen who is fortunate enough to be in America."

In asking Mississippians to do their part, Bush recognized Star Wallin, a Hattiesburg teen whose desire to help those in need led her to create Project CARE, an organization that provides volunteer opportunities for young people. (For more on Wallin's good deeds, see the Southern Scrapbook department in our July/August issue.)

"One of the things I love to do as I travel the country is to meet soldiers in the armies of compassion--people who have heard the call to love their neighbor..., people who understand that part of being an American is to serve your community by helping people in need," Bush said. He cited Wallin's efforts to enlist her schoolmates in projects aimed at mentoring children, feeding the hungry, and restoring public school playgrounds.

"As a result of her vision, her community is better," Bush said. "She has set a fabulous example."

Bush said the nation's efforts to thwart terrorism are making steady progress, although "sometimes it doesn't get on your cable channel." He addressed the many high school students present, assuring them that "we don't seek revenge, we seek justice."

"When we go into a country, We do so not to conquer but to liberate," he said. "There are young girls going to school in Afghanistan for the first time; thanks to the mighty government--mighty United States military and our friends and allies. And that is important for you to remember."

Bush's visit to the state was marked with much fanfare. From new banners and spruced-up landscapes along Highland Colony Parkway in Madison, where the school is located, to the long line of people waiting outside the school hours early, hoping to get into the assembly, to the gathering of Congressional and state political leaders to greet him, it was clear that this visit--the first here by a sitting president in a decade--was an important event for many. The Madison Central band offered a rousing welcome, serenading Bush's motorcade as it entered the school grounds.

"I'm so honored my first stop after moving my office to Crawford is in the great state of Mississippi," Bush told the crowd. His visit to Mississippi took place during a "working vacation" at his Texas ranch.

Bush assured the audience that the nation's economy is improving, and the war on terror will be won.

"There is no problem we can't solve in this country," he said. "I believe out of the evil done to America is going to come some incredible good...The American people have got great hearts, great resolve, great compassion, and great determination. This country is going to lead the world to peace."