    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [December 14, 1997]
    [Pages 1764-1765]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at ``Christmas in Washington''
    December 14, 1997

        Ladies and gentlemen, first let me begin by thanking Bob and Suzanne
    and all their whole network family for what has been a wonderful show.
    Thank you, Glenn Close; thank you, Aaliyah; thank you, Shirley Caesar;
    Deana Carter; Hanson; Thomas Hampson; the Eastern Choir; and of course,
    our Naval Academy Glee Club; the Army Herald Trumpets; our musicians and
    choir over there; and thank you to George and Michael Stevens for the
    wonderful job they do every year and especially this year.
        Hillary and I look forward to celebrating ``Christmas in
    Washington'' every year. It gets us in the holiday spirit. If we're not
    in now, we don't have a chance. [Laughter] It also gives us another
    chance to thank the Children's National Medical Center for the
    outstanding work that all of them do on behalf of our Nation's children.
        More than any other holiday, Christmas is for our children. We revel
    in their excitement. We rejoice in their growth. We renew our pledge to
    help them make the most of their God-given gifts. It all began with the
    miracle of a child, born in a manger, who grew to teach a lesson of
    peace that has guided us for 2,000 years now. It continues to light our
    journey toward a new century and a new millennium. Every child is a
    miracle, and it is for their futures that we must all dedicate ourselves
    to work for that universal, timeless vision of peace in every nation, in
    every community, and most important, in every heart.
        Hillary and I and Chelsea wish you all a joyous holiday and a very
    happy new year. Thank you. God bless you. May the magic of Christmas be
    always with you.

    Note: The President spoke at 6:40 p.m. at the National Building Museum.
    In his remarks, he referred to Robert C. Wright, president, NBC, and

    [[Page 1765]]

    his wife, Suzanne; actress Glenn Close; entertainers Aaliyah, Shirley
    Caesar, Deana Carter, Hanson, and Thomas Hampson; and George Stevens,
    Jr., executive producer, and Michael Stevens, producer, ``Christmas in
    Washington.'' ``Christmas in Washington'' was videotaped for broadcast
    at 10 p.m. on December 19.