President Bush and first lady, Laura, look at period weaponry Sunday during a walking tour of Historic Jamestown in Virginia.

Jamestown, Va. ? Fond of promoting the endurance of freedom, President Bush on Sunday hailed the nation’s humble beginnings as a reminder that new democracies require huge sacrifice.

“From our own history, we know the path to democracy is long and it’s hard,” Bush said in a ceremony honoring the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, America’s first permanent English colony.

“There are many challenges, and there are setbacks along the way,” Bush said. “Yet we can have confidence in the outcome because we’ve seen freedom’s power to transform societies.”

On his first visit to Jamestown as president, Bush soaked in the scene like a tourist – first watching a dig for artifacts, then climbing aboard a replica of a majestic ship.

He even grabbed a baton and playfully led the 400-piece orchestra before heading back home.

In his speech, Bush said the United States must stand with those struggling to gain their freedom. He spoke from the place where the country’s roots began centuries ago in a swampland.

“Today, Democratic institutions are taking root in places in places where liberty was unimaginable not long ago,” the president said.

He specifically cited Iraq and Afghanistan.

“The advance of freedom is the great story of our time, and new chapters are being written every day,” he added.

Jamestown in 1607 was a grueling commercial venture, and colonists dealt with hunger, violence and hopelessness. But, over time, it became a starting point of representative government, free enterprise and cultural diversity.

“It is a chance to renew our commitment to help others around the world realize the great blessings of liberty,” Bush told several thousand of people in the audience for the celebration.