[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[January 2, 1992]
[Pages 16-17]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 16]]

Remarks at a Dinner Hosted by Prime Minister Keating of Australia in 
Canberra

January 2, 1992
    This is an impossible situation, following two such articulate, 
young, and vibrant leaders of this country. But first, let me simply say 
thank you to the Prime Minister for his hospitality and to all of you 
for making Barbara and me feel so very much at home.
    It feels odd to hear myself referred to as the leader of the free 
world. I told Barbara, somebody in Sydney said I was the leader of the 
free world. She says, ``Hurry up and get out of the bathroom; we're 
late. Run.'' [Laughter]
    I won't try to put you in what we call double jeopardy. You heard me 
over there, here next door in this beautiful building. And I'm also 
reminded of two sayings. One in our Congress is, ``The speech you don't 
give is the one that helps you get reelected.'' [Laughter] And I'm about 
to be running, I think, for President. And secondly, I love the one 
about the kid that went to church with his grandfather, and he said, 
``Granddad, what are all the flags along the side of the church for?'' 
The grandfather said, ``Well, that, son, is for those who died in 
service.'' And the kid said, ``Oh, really? The 9 o'clock or the 11 
o'clock service?'' [Laughter] And I'm reminded that I went on for about 
25 minutes today, so you don't need another full load.
    I was reminded of something, though, today perhaps of some 
significance, international significance, that it is likely that I will 
be the last President of the United States who served in the World War 
II. And I heard very generous assessments by the Prime Minister and by 
the leader of the opposition about my service. And yes, I was shot down 
off the shores of Chichi-Jima. And I had only wished that I had met Dawn 
Fraser before because I tried to set the record for swimming away from 
the island. And if I'd known her I might have done a better job of it--
[laughter]--and not been so scared.
    But anyway, why, I think of the Coral Sea experience and what it 
means to the United States and, of course, what it means to Australia. 
And I think back to my own little history: I was 17, about to reach my 
18th birthday a month later, when the Battle of the Coral Sea took 
place. And I think those of us in that vintage, and there are not many 
in the room I'm pleased to say, but those of us in that vintage will 
always remember that and therefore will always have this very special 
feeling about Australia.
    But one of the things that interests me on this visit is hearing 
some educators talking about the need to be sure that the younger 
generations remember this, not necessarily the smoke and the gunfire and 
all of that, but the significance of these two great countries standing 
together. And this visit for us has simply reminded me, and then I think 
through me as President, the American people, of the importance of this 
relationship. It is clear. It is unambiguous. There is great friendship.
    And yes, we have some differences. And we faced up to them. They 
thrust me into the arena with three of the biggest farmers I've ever 
seen in my life. [Laughter] I won't single them out, but when I shook 
hands with one I made the mistake of giving him that kind of political 
embrace when you put your hand on his arm; it's all muscle, sheer iron. 
And I said, ``I'd better listen to what this guy has to say.'' 
[Laughter]
    And so, it's been a good, frank visit. We haven't held back. We 
discussed our differences. But I think they have been overwhelmed by the 
common interests that the United States and Australia have.
    So, it has been for us an enormous privilege. We'll never forget it 
on a personal basis. And I happen to believe that it will simply 
reinforce this feeling of friendship and alliance and strength that is 
indeed the relationship between Australia and the United States of 
America.
    So, thank you from a grateful heart for a fantastic visit.

[[Page 17]]

                    Note: The President spoke at 9:32 p.m. in the House 
                        of Representatives Chamber at Parliament House. 
                        In his remarks, he referred to Olympic gold 
                        medalist Dawn Fraser. A tape was not available 
                        for verification of the content of these 
                        remarks.