[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[December 10, 1992]
[Page 2182]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 2182]]


Remarks on Lighting the National Christmas Tree
December 10, 1992

    Thank you, Joe, for being the President of the Christmas Pageant of 
Peace. And may I salute Lucie Arnaz and Lee Greenwood, Keshia Knight 
Pulliam; the world's greatest weatherman, who missed it tonight, Willard 
Scott; the Children's Chorus of Maryland; the cast of ``A Christmas 
Carol''--great of them to come down; and of course, the U.S. Coast Guard 
Band.
    Barbara and I are very pleased that all of you could be here 
tonight. It's wonderful to see so many smiling faces in spite of the 
adversity. It's especially wonderful to see the children. This is their 
holiday, an entire season dedicated to the impact of one child on the 
world. And there's a lesson to be learned from these young people here. 
Look at what's most important to them, the people they love.
    Barbara and I want to dedicate this Christmas tree to the children 
of America, for they are more than our future; they are our present. And 
they remind us that we must love one another in order to achieve peace. 
We must love one another. Our prayers are with them and the ones they 
cherish.
    May I simply say, let us think of the children of Somalia, too, the 
children everywhere who live in fear and want. Our prayers are with 
them, and may their families be safe and the sporadic fighting over 
there end soon.
    Let us also say a special prayer for our Armed Forces who are doing 
their duty, vindicating the values of America and the spirit of 
Christmas in this far-off land. We salute them and their selfless 
devotion to country.
    For Barbara and me and from our entire family, we wish you all a 
Merry Christmas, a happy and healthy New Year, and love that will 
outshine this tree year-round.
    God bless you all, and God bless our great country, the United 
States of America. Merry Christmas.

                    Note: The President spoke at 5:50 p.m. on the 
                        Ellipse during the annual Christmas Pageant of 
                        Peace. In his remarks, he referred to Joe Riley, 
                        pageant president, and entertainers Lucie Arnaz, 
                        Lee Greenwood, and Keshia Knight Pulliam.