[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book I)]
[July 4, 1994]
[Pages 1186-1187]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks at an Independence Day Celebration
July 4, 1994

    The President. Hello. Happy Fourth of July. Let me just say, part of 
this wonderful celebration--can you hear?
    Audience members. Yes.
    The President. Part of this wonderful celebration is music, 
fireworks, family, friends, no speeches. But I just want to welcome you 
here tonight and say what an immense pleasure and pride it is for 
Hillary and for me to have you

[[Page 1187]]

here. We hope you enjoy the fireworks. We're proud to have you here on 
the grounds of your house and hope that you feel it is your house.
    And let me just say one little thing seriously. Every Fourth of 
July, I try to take a little time to think about what this country means 
in a special way. And today, I finished a biography I've been reading of 
our second President, John Adams. He's the first person who ever lived 
in this house, in 1800. He died on the 50th anniversary of our 
Declaration of Independence, on July the 4th, 1826, the same day 
President Jefferson died. They were great friends. And they died, on the 
same day, as they had lived: loving this country. And what I want to ask 
all of you to think about is what we can do to make sure that this 
country's still here 200 years from now. That's our job.
    Thank you. God bless you. Have a great night.

Note: The President spoke at 9 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White 
House.