We The People: This Day in History, November 27
Bush’s Secret Thanksgiving Visit to U.S. Troops in Iraq
Published: Nov. 27, 2025 at 8:19 AM CST
WACO, Texas (KWTX) - On November 27, 2003, then-President George W. Bush slipped away from his ranch outside of Crawford for a secret visit to troops in Iraq.
He was driven to Texas State Technical College Airport, where he boarded Air Force One, using the rear stairs.
Along with aids and media sworn to secrecy, President Bush spent Thanksgiving with U.S. troops in Baghdad.
It wasn’t until he was back in the air and headed home that the secret, kept even from his parents, was let out.
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