[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.