    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [February 26, 1996]
    [Page 337]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 337]]

    Remarks on Presenting the Presidential Citizens Medal to
    Bernice Young Jones
    February 26, 1996

        The President. I want to begin, Bernice, by welcoming members of
    your family and your friends here, and we're especially glad to have
    Senator Bumpers and Congressman Hutchinson come.
        I learned this morning something I did not know, that this is your
    first trip to Washington. Well, to have managed to live as many years as
    you have----
        Ms. Jones. Ninety. [Laughter]
        The President. ----without ever coming to Washington, that alone is
    justification for this award. [Laughter]
        Ms. Jones. And that's my sister, and it's her first trip, and she's
    92.
        Hillary Clinton. Is that right?
        The President. Well, neither one of you look it, and we're glad to
    have you.
        Hillary Clinton. That's probably why they look so good. [Laughter]
        The President. Let me say that for me, personally, this is a great
    pleasure because I know very well of the extraordinary work you have
    done for health care in Arkansas, for education, and of course, the
    center you established in your name and your late husband's name for
    families in Springdale. The things that you have done and stood for and
    tried to help are the things that all of us in America should be trying
    to advance. And you are a shining example for philanthropy in our
    country.
        I can only hope that every State will find someone like you to help
    do what needs to be done. And it is for that reason that I wanted to
    give you this President's Citizens Medal. And I'm very glad you decided
    to take leave of your very good policy and at least one time come to
    Washington, DC. [Laughter]
        Ms. Jones. Thank you so much. I appreciate it for myself, my family,
    my friends, my wonderful Springdale, and Arkansas.
        The President. I'd like to ask my military aide now to read the
    citation.

    Note: The President spoke at 10 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. A tape was not available for verification of the content of these
    remarks.