Bush: July 4 a 'turning point'

WOODWARD, Okla., July 5 (UPI) -- Ex-President George W. Bush says July 4, 1776, when the nascent United States declared its independence from Britain, was a turning point in world history.

Speaking at the Let Freedom Ring 2009 holiday celebration at Crystal Beach Arena in Woodward, Okla., Saturday, the former president addressed his largest audience since leaving the White House, the Woodward News reported.

"There are lessons we can learn from the experiences of the first Fourth of July," the newspaper quoted Bush as saying. "More than two centuries later it is clear July 4th was a turning point in history. It is important on July 4 that all of us understand that because of the sacrifices of those who came before us America shines as a beacon of freedom."

Bush and former first lady Laura Bush both reportedly received standing ovations from the crowd when introduced by its promoter.

"I'm traveling with some pretty good company," Bush said about his wife. "She brought good old Western values to the White House."