defence of US President George Bush, describing him as "a person of history" for its impact around the world.
Mr Downer, speaking alongside US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, on the north-west outskirts of Los Angeles, compared Mr Bush's war on terror to Reagan's Cold War victory over the Soviet Union.
had to make, these have been tough decisions," Mr Downer told about 300 guests, including Mr Reagan's widow, Nancy.
future.
when the terrorists struck?
courage in doing so.
"
California, with a tour of the Camp Pendleton military base, south of LA, and visits to technology sites near San Francisco.