Citing President Bush, McKee Says RI Getting Ready to Order “Mission Accomplished” Banners
Friday, April 23, 2021
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, repeatedly citing former President George W. Bush on Thursday, said Rhode Island is close to ordering “Mission Accomplished” banners in the battle against coronavirus.
The reference goes back to Bush's claim of victory in Iraq — a war that continued for nearly 15 years.
From aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln on May 1, 2003, standing directly under a "Mission Accomplished" banner, Bush declared, "In the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed," in a claim of victory in what became known as the "Mission Accomplished" speech.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe speech is considered one of the biggest presidential gaffes. And since that speech, nearly 5,000 American servicemen and women have been killed fighting in Iraq, including 20 in 2020. In the past two months in Rhode Island, nearly 300 have died from the coronavirus.
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Later, Bush regretted the incident. "Clearly, putting a 'mission accomplished' on an aircraft carrier was a mistake," Bush said, when asked about his errors while in the White House. "It sent the wrong message. We were trying to say something differently but, nevertheless, it conveyed a different message."
Reopening Economy to 80%, RI 5th Highest for Virus Cases in the U.S.
“It's a little early to put the ‘mission accomplished’ sign up. We are getting ready to order that sign,” said McKee during his weekly press conference.
He reiterated later during his comments, “We are not going to put the ‘mission accomplished’ sign up yet, but we are getting close as you can tell.”
Rhode Island reported 375 total new cases on Thursday (318 on Wednesday and additional ‘catch up cases’).
In addition, 140 people are currently hospitalized and the state reported two more deaths.
Rhode Island has now suffered 2,660 deaths — the 4th highest per capita rate in the country.
The state also ranks 3rd per capita for cases.
McKee said in May most restrictions will be lowered and allow 80% eating in restaurants, gyms, etc.
In addition, McKee will allow out-of-state sports teams to travel to Rhode Island and close contact sports teams like wrestling and karate to resume without limitation.
